Pandemic anniversary highlights need for expanded bereavement support services

The COVID-19 pandemic, which killed millions across the world, had a dire impact on the ability of their loved ones to grieve. A study by Simon Fraser researchers published in the journal Illness, Crisis & Loss , calls for expanding pandemic grief support programs and increasing public awareness of the existing supports available to help lessen the emotional toll. The research, which reflects personal experiences of loss and challenge as we strive to build back better from the difficult pandemic years, is being shared as the world prepares to mark the third anniversary of the WHO declaring COVID-19 a global pandemic (March 11). The researchers surveyed nearly 100 individuals who were mourning the deaths of loved ones during the first eight months of 2021. Their responses were collected through an anonymous survey distributed to Canadian online bereavement forums, grief support services and medical centres. The majority of respondents were women and half of those surveyed live in B.C. Nearly 25 per cent had lost two or more people. Not all deaths were from COVID-19 but the deaths occurred during a time when mourning practices were disrupted by pandemic restrictions.