The number of deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic continues to climb globally, reaching almost 4.15 million people at last count. Beyond just a statistic, each death represents the loss of someone's loved one and is taking a toll on surviving individuals. 

What makes grief so difficult during the pandemic is that people have been stripped of the usual rituals of processing their loss. There is no last touch or hug, nor a physical memorial service that would allow people to come together collectively to comfort each other. It is, in many ways, a lonely journey.

For a sizeable number of bereaved individuals, their anguish does not diminish and can render life almost unbearable. A July 2020 study estimates that every death from COVID-19 in the US will leave approximately nine close relatives bereaved, of which 5-10% may experience what is known as prolonged grief disorder. 

The impact on children is even greater. According to a new study published in The Lancet, a child loses a caregiver to COVID-19 every 12 seconds. An estimated 1.5 million children globally experienced the death of a parent, grandparent or caregiver due to COVID-19, which is creating a 'hidden pandemic of orphanhood'.

At times like these, we can be more supportive in helping those affected better cope with their grief. Allowing people to acknowledge and express their grief, and providing an environment where people can feel safe emotionally and physically, will go a long way in aiding their healing journey. 

Want to know more about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how it can benefit your health? Tune in to the monthly webinar series by TCM lecturers at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Malaysia. In the month of August, they will be covering the topics "Day vs Health" and "Awareness, Treatment and Protection of Cervical Spondylosis".

Click here to register.