Recently there was an article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune about the complications of grieving during this pandemic. The gist of it was that grieving death during this pandemic is complicated. Normal funeral rituals, with gatherings of large groups, aren't practical. This complicates the grieving for the bereaved. Funeral directory, Bill McGreavy, was quoted "Grief shared is grief diminished." Remembering the strength and comfort I drew from those who gathered at Joanne's death I ache for those who do not have that comfort.
What will be the effect on the psyche of our communities and our nation of this grief factor? Might there be significant depression caused by unresolved grief? In addition to the deaths that are occurring there are also a multitude of other losses; jobs, money, opportunities, etc. Each loss brings its own grief. Likely unresolved grief will lead to depression. How will depression manifest itself on a large scale? Toward the end of my seminary education wise observers recognized that shrinking rural communities exhibited the symptoms of depression. Will there be symptoms of depression now, both locally and nationally? What's to be expected?
Living in my comfortable, little, quarantine I recognize that I'm of a privileged minority. While I'm deeply grateful I try not to take my situation for granted recognizing it for the gift it is.
Takk for alt,
Al
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