Grief in the COVID era will weigh on the American psyche for years to come

It is a paradox of Covid that in the very midst of a crisis in which mourners might most crave solidarity and shared company, the virus’ infectiousness has forced grieving families into virtual isolation. A survey by the World Health Organization found that the coronavirus had disrupted access to mental health services in more than 90% of countries.

Similarly, a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation in midsummer revealed that more than half of American adults reported that their mental health had been negatively affected by the pandemic, up from 32% in March, while more than 10% noted an increase in alcohol use or substance use and a like amount reported a worsening of preexisting chronic health conditions.

Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that the pandemic can cause fear and worry about one’s health and economic security, prompt difficulties in sleep and concentration, and anxiety about the loss of routine support services people normally rely on, including child care.