My Grief Connection Blog - MY GRIEF CONNECTION

5/13/2021

Coping with Pandemic Grief: A Guide to Feeling, Dealing & Healing in 2021

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Coping with Pandemic Grief: A Guide to Feeling, Dealing & Healing in 2021
Licensed Therapist, Tiffany Roe, MA, CMHC of Mindful Counseling, has created created the Mini Course,
"Coping with Pandemic Grief: A Guide to Feeling, Dealing & Healing in 2021," and has generously made it available
to all for FREE! It includes a short video lecture where she breaks down the three new types of mental health issues we are dealing with, what symptoms look like, and how you can Feel Deal Heal™ through this. Tiffany Roe, teaches you skills to cope through the anxiety, grief & burnout that we are collectively experiencing. You'll also get access to a FREE downloadable mini workbook which covers her suggestions of 5 Ways to Cope With Pandemic Grief, including activities & printable permission slips to help you as you move though your emotions. Pandemic Grief is no joke. It's real and widespread, even if you haven't lost someone. The world as we knew it before is lost and our social support systems aren't what they once were. We are all going to need tools to navigate 2021 and life beyond that. Please share with anyone you know who might benefit from the course.
For FREE access to the Mini Course, visit: https://tiffanyroeschool.com/p/pandemic-grief-course

2/27/2021

HOW TO HANDLE COVID-RELATED LIFE CHANGES

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How to Handle COVID-Related
Life Changes

HOW TO HANDLE COVID-RELATED LIFE CHANGES

Photo Credit: Pexels.com

COVID-19 has changed lives all over the world. Since the pandemic began, you've probably had to adapt some
of your everyday habits, like how you workout or where you shop. Handling all these changes is stressful.
As Psychology Today explains, humans are naturally resistant to change.

COVID creates an especially tricky situation because it's very much beyond our control. My Grief Connection highlights some of the common emotions people are grappling with due to "Corona Grief," like difficulty concentrating and headaches. Luckily, there are resources available to help. The below guide covers life changes you may be experiencing as a result of COVID-19 and provides tips and tools on how to handle them.

You've lost your job.

According to USA Today, the unemployment rate is historically high. If you've lost your job, look for temp work
to make ends meet while you line up your next opportunity. The Work at Home Wife lists work-from-home
jobs that even provide paid training, from companies like Hilton, goFLUENT, and more.

You might also seize this opportunity to start your own business. Forming a limited liability company (LLC) allows you to enjoy tax advantages and protects your personal assets in case of liability claims. You don't have to pay an expensive attorney to file the paperwork to start an LLC. Business formation services are an affordable alternative.

You're spending more time at home.

Stay-at-home orders and concerns about infection have had people spending more time at home in the past year.
If you're starting to feel cooped up, it's time to make a change. Eliminate the negative energy of the past, and usher in positive vibes by cleansing your home. Get rid of clutter, open the windows to let in some fresh air, and smudge the room with sage. You can also get some affordable aromatherapy candles with soothing scents like lavender and lemongrass to create a more peaceful atmosphere.

Your social life has taken a blow.

As people spend less time outside of the home, they are also experiencing a decrease in social interactions. According to Medical News Today, humans are a naturally social species, and maintaining an active social life promotes physical and mental wellbeing. Look for new ways to reconnect with friends and family now that your social opportunities outside of the house have become more limited. You might watch a movie or television show with a pal using a tool like Netflix Party, for example, or have a "family dinner" via Zoom with loved ones who are located far away.

You're struggling to take care of yourself.

You may find it more difficult to take care of yourself as you deal with COVID-related change. This is understandable, especially if you are facing mental health hurdles like depression. As Harvard explains, depression changes the way the brain works — even causing cognitive impairments like memory loss, in some cases.

Motivating yourself to eat right and exercise in this state is tough. To cope, seek support. Make meal prep a family activity instead of doing it alone, for example. For exercise, try lining up a workout buddy and joining a Zoom fitness class. Cnet offers a list of five great options.

You've lost a loved one.

Finally, one of the biggest uncontrollable changes COVID may have introduced into your life is the loss of a loved one. If you are struggling with grief as a result, it's important to seek help. Look for support groups in your area via platforms like My Grief Connection. If you feel yourself struggling emotionally, don't hesitate to seek therapy. Platforms like BetterHelp allow you to get the assistance you need virtually and are more affordable than in-person counseling. You shouldn't have to grapple with grief alone.

The changes brought on by COVID-19 aren't always easy. However, they can be managed with the right resources and support. Hopefully, the above guide has given you some inspiration on how to get the support you need.

My Grief Connection provides grief services for children, teens, and families. Whether you are dealing with loss or COVID grief, find out how we can help.

Author Bio:
Jennifer Scott is a lifelong sufferer of anxiety and depression. A single mom, she writes about the ups and downs
of her mental illness on SpiritFinder.org. The blog serves as both a source of information for people with mental
illness and a forum where those living with anxiety and depression can come together to discuss their experiences.

1/8/2021

Physician Support Line: 1-888-409-0141

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Physician Support Line: 1-888-409-0141

Physician Support Line: 1-888-409-0141

Physician Support Line is a national, free, and confidential support line
service made up of 600+ volunteer psychiatrists, joined together in the determined hope to provide peer support for their physician colleagues
and American medical students as we all navigate the COVID-19 epidemic.

Free & Confidential. No appointment necessary.

Open 7 days a week, 8:00AM - 1:00AM ET

https://www.physiciansupportline.com/

https://www.facebook.com/PhysicianSupportLine

12/12/2020

Covid Memorial Service - 13 Dec 2020

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Covid Memorial Service

Covid Memorial Service
All are welcome by Grace Fellowship to attend a special online
Covid Memorial Service to remember and honor the loved ones lost due to
Covid-19. This is open to everyone, no matter who you are or where you are.

Visit the Covid Memorial Wall to view stories and submit your own stories.

Join the service on Dec 13th at 6pm CST / 7pm EST / 5pm MST / 4pm PST.

Visit: https://findgrace.com/covidmemorial

The Facebook event can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1801096373379112

10/9/2020

World Mental Health Day 2020

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World Mental Health Day 2020

World Mental Health Day 2020
This year the World Health Organization will, for the first time, host a mental health global online advocacy event. At the "Big Event for Mental Health" world leaders, mental health experts and celebrity guests will join WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, to teach us all what we can
all do to boost our mental health and how we can all help make sure that quality mental health care
is available to everyone in need of it.

2020's World Mental Health Day, comes at a very challenging time for us all when our day-to-day lives have been drastically altered due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There have been so many changes and so much instability. People, including those with mental health conditions, are experiencing even greater levels of social isolation than before the pandemic. And so many people are managing the grief of losing a loved one, often without being able to say goodbye or even hold proper funerals or memorial rituals.

No doubt the need for mental health and psychosocial care and support will greatly increase in the months and years to come. Funding and investment in mental health programs on all levels is more critical than ever before. For this reason, the goal of the World Mental Health Day 2020 campaign
is increased investment in mental health.

For more information, please visit: https://www.who.int/

8/3/2020

Idaho COVID-19 Help Now Line

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Idaho COVID-19 Help Now Line: Call or Text 986-867-1073 or call Toll Free 866-947-5186

Idaho COVID-19 Help Now Line: Call or Text 986-867-1073 or call Toll Free 866-947-5186
Their representatives will be waiting to help you through hardships caused by COVID-19.
The Idaho COVID Help Now Line is staffed from 8 am to 8 pm (MST), 7 days a week.
Callers may also leave a message during off hours and receive a return call the following day.
Responders do not classify, label, or diagnose people and no records or case files are kept.
If you prefer to browse their resource lists yourself, visit: www.ioem.idaho.gov/covidhelpnow

8/3/2020

Coronavirus Counseling Assistance for Frontline Workers

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Coronavirus Counseling Assistance for Frontline Workers: 866-536-0239

Coronavirus Counseling Assistance for Frontline Workers: 866-536-0239
Toll-free hotline offering access to benefit navigators who will guide you in any
behavioral health benefits you may have access to through your current benefits,
and provide referrals to behavioral health resources.
Screening and navigation services include:
• 24 hour, 7-day-a-week access to telephonic crisis counselors.
• Screening and benefit navigation 8:00 am to 6:00 pm & 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on Fridays, (MST)
• Coaching on how to access benefits and recommendations on available services in any region of the state.

For individuals who do not have access to behavioral health services through their current benefits, or who have significant financial or access barriers to those benefits, this program offers up to five sessions of confidential assessment and brief solution-focused problem intervention provided by licensed, professional counselors. Sessions are offered via telehealth services or, when appropriate given social distancing measures, face-to-face.
Sessions can be individual, couples, or family counseling.

In addition to five counseling sessions, the program offers participants:
• A national, licensed, and credentialed provider network for appropriate access to urgent and non-urgent care.
• Referral to additional behavioral health services & community resources based on the client’s needs,
recommended treatment & financial means.
• Substance use expertise and referrals for treatment of chemical dependency and other addictions.
• Online lifestyle tools and resources including legal, financial and identity theft information,
calculators, tip sheets, and webinars.
https://ibn.idaho.gov/pressrelease/covid-19-counseling-assistance-for-frontline-workers/

5/14/2020

Faith & Grief Online Support Gatherings

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Faith & Grief Upcoming Online Grief Support Gatherings

Faith & Grief Online Support Gatherings
During this time of Covid-19 recommendations, Faith & Grief is offering support gatherings
on Fridays at Noon CST and starting May 20th on Wednesdays at Noon CST. For the safety of their participants, they and their host sites will not be hosting in-person support gatherings for
the time being, please check for updates on future in-person support gatherings.

Here are the date for the upcoming online grief support gatherings:
Friday, May 15th at Noon (CST)
Wednesday, May 20th at Noon (CST)
Friday, May 22nd at Noon (CST)
Wednesday, May 27th at Noon (CST)

They will be posting updates on their website and Facebook page.
You can also join their Facebook Online Gathering Group for daily prayers & resources.
Please register and you will receive an email confirmation with the meeting
access link & dial-in instructions.
https://www.faithandgrief.org/gatherings/

5/1/2020

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH - May 2020

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, You Are Not Alone!

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and thank goodness for that! Our mental health is
being challenged in a huge way with the COVID-19 pandemic, on top of all of the regular stressors
and issues that we deal with on a daily basis.

Whether we have diagnosed mental illness or not, it is critical for us all to manage and support our
mental health. It matters so much! We must continue to talk about mental health, share our stories,
raise awareness, educate others, get help ourselves and give help when we can.

Let's start the conversation and work to end the stigma around mental illness so we can be there
for each other in ways that are real and meaningful.

If you are struggling please reach out for support.

Here are some resources to help:

The Crisis Text Line offers free, 24/7 crisis counseling, via text. Just text SHARE to 741741 to reach them.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline gives 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources, call 1-800-273-8255.

Depression & Crisis Hotline, call 1-800-784-2433.

Veterans Crisis Line, call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 or Text 838255.

Emotional Health Relief Hotline, caregivers available 10am-10pm MST, 1-833-442-2211.

Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline, 24/7, call 208-398-HELP (4357).

The Crisis Hotline, Serving Southern and Southeastern Idaho, 24/7, call 208-788-3596.

Idaho COVID-19 Hotline, call 1-888-330-3010, Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm.

Ambitions of Idaho 24 Hour Crisis Intervention Line, call 208-794-2379.

For more mental health & crisis help resources visit: https://www.mygriefconnection.org/crisishelp.html

4/21/2020

Three Reasons Why All Grief During COVID-19 is Traumatic: New Strategies for Healing - FREE Replay

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Three Reasons Why All Grief During COVID-19 is Traumatic: New Strategies For Healing, Webinar Replay

Three Reasons Why All Grief During COVID-19 is Traumatic: New Strategies for Healing

If you have lost a loved one during this unique time, please join Jennifer R. Levin, MFT, PhD, MFC,
of From Grief To Growth for this FREE 30 minute webinar.

Watch the FREE replay: https://fromgrieftogrowth.com/grief-covid-19-resources/

4/12/2020

Three Reasons Why All Grief During COVID-19 is Traumatic: New Strategies for Healing

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Three Reasons Why All Grief During COVID-19 Is Traumatic: New Strategies for Healing - FREE 30 minute webinar, Monday, April 20, 2020 at 10am and 5pm (PST)

Three Reasons Why All Grief During COVID-19 is Traumatic: New Strategies for Healing
If you have lost a loved one during this unique time, please join Jennifer R. Levin, MFT, PhD, MFC,
of From Grief To Growth, on Monday, April 20th at either 10:00 am or 5:00 pm PST, this FREE 30 minute webinar.

REGISTER HERE: https://fromgrieftogrowth.mykajabi.com/pl/159678

4/11/2020

The Tuesday People Podcast: Dying Alone & Postponing Funerals - How Death Takes a Hit During COVID-19

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Dying Alone & Postponing Funerals: How Death Takes A Hit During COVID-19

The Tuesday People Podcast: Dying Alone & Postponing Funerals - How Death Takes a Hit During COVID-19
Nora Menkin, Executive Director of the People's Memorial Association and the Co-op Funeral Home
in Seattle, WA, discusses how social distancing and the prohibiting of public gatherings has affected
the funeral industry and, in turn, how people are able to grieve.

https://www.mitchalbom.com/episode-23-dying-alone-postponing-funerals-how-death-takes-a-hit-during-covid-19/

4/3/2020

Grief Out Loud Podcast: Ep. 141, You Can't Give From Empty: Grief Professionals and COVID-19 with Megan Devine

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Grief Out Loud Podcast, Episode 141: You Can't Give From Empty, Grief Professionals & COIVD-19 with Megan Devine

Grief Out Loud Podcast: Ep. 141, You Can't Give From Empty: Grief Professionals and COVID-19 with Megan Devine
This Grief Out Loud podcast episode from The Dougy Center features a talk with Megan Devine
of Refuge In Grief about what it's like to be a support person in the midst of a global crisis that is
affecting us all. They discuss what's coming up around grief and self-care for Megan, the people she
supports, and her colleagues in the grief world.
https://www.dougy.org/grief-resources/grief-out-loud-podcast/

3/30/2020

Living with grief in the midst of COVID-19 - FREE webinar replay

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Living with grief in the midst of COVID-19: 5 Tools to Cope and Navigate This Unprecedented Time

Living with grief in the midst of COVID-19: 5 Tools to Cope and Navigate This Unprecedented Time
FREE 45-min Webinar from Dr. Jennifer Levin at Therapy Heals
In this webinar, you will learn how to...
1. Cope with the parallels between grief and the coronavirus
2. Survive empathy overload
3. Stay connected to your grief when everything else is on hold
4. Remain grounded when the rest of the world is panicking
5. Avoid being a victim of circumstances and to give and receive during grief
Watch the FREE replay: https://fromgrieftogrowth.mykajabi.com/grief-covid-19-webinar-video

3/25/2020

Living with grief in the midst of COVID-19: 5 Tools to Cope and Navigate This Unprecedented Time

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Living with grief in the midst of COVID-19: 5 Tools to Cope and Navigate This Unprecedented Time
FREE LIVE 45-min Webinar from Therapy Heals.
Monday, March 30th at 10:00 am & 5:00 pm PST

In this webinar, you will learn how to...
1. Cope with the parallels between grief and the coronavirus
2. Survive empathy overload
3. Stay connected to your grief when everything else is on hold
4. Remain grounded when the rest of the world is panicking
5. Avoid being a victim of circumstances and to give and receive during grief

Free to register and view - you can register on this page under 'tickets' or you can go here: https://fromgrieftogrowth.mykajabi.com/pl/153417

3/21/2020

Grief Out Loud - Episode 139: Grief and Coronavirus / COVID-19 with Leslie Barber

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Grief Out Loud, Episode 139: Grief in the Time of COVID-19 - Leslie Barber

Grief Out Loud - Episode 139: Grief and Coronavirus/COVID-19 with Leslie Barber

Give a listen to this episode of the Grief Out Loud podcast from The Dougy Center as they talk with Leslie Barber, grieving widow, mom, and creator of Grief Warrior about all that the COVID-19 pandemic is bringing up in her grief and what she and her daughter are doing to navigate this new and uncertain time. ⁣
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Tune in at www.dougy.org/griefoutloud - or wherever you get your podcasts. ⁣
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For more grief related podcast suggestions visit the “Recommendations” tab at www.mygriefconnection.org ⁣