Unmasking Post-Pandemic Grief

As we’ve explored in previous blog posts, there are many forms of grief, and some grief is not just personal, like when a loved one dies. Collective grief is grief that affects us on a community, societal, or even global level.

Sadly, we can find many examples of collective grief in the world today. While this can feel heavy to contemplate, it can also offer some relief to realize that some of the burden we’re carrying is not our own.  

Today I’d like to talk about the collective grief that we have experienced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the global pandemic was declared in March 2020, our social reality has been reshaped in profound ways. 

Here are six examples of pandemic-related losses that have impacted many of us, both personally and collectively, over the past four years: 

1.Loss of life

As of December 2023, the total confirmed number of COVID-19 deaths in the United States was 1,144,877. The actual number is likely much higher. 

Many if not most of us in this country lost someone we knew – a family member, friend, neighbor, or coworker – due to COVID. This massive loss of life generated collective grief on an unprecedented scale, which continues to be felt today. 

2. Long COVID

In addition to deaths due to COVID, an estimated 5-7% of Americans reported having symptoms of Long COVID in March of 2024. 

Since there is still not sufficient research or treatment options for this condition, many Long COVID sufferers are experiencing additional forms of grief such as ambiguous loss or complicated grief. 

3. Shift toward remote work 

The pandemic transformed the way we live and work in countless ways. One of the most significant has been the shift toward remote work. 

Many people have benefitted from the flexibility and convenience of working from home. But this shift has also contributed to social isolation and the fraying of social networks as people no longer receive the benefits of daily interaction with coworkers in shared workspaces.  

4. Loss of third spaces

As noted by Robert D. Putnam in his landmark 2000 book Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community, social capital in America has been steadily declining since the mid-20th century. 

The pandemic exacerbated this shift with budget cuts and closures affecting third spaces like libraries, arts and entertainment venues, and even coffee shops. While the shrinking of our communities often goes unnoticed, many of us are still feeling the impact of these losses. 

5. Rise of solo households 

The share of single-person households in the United States has more than tripled since the 1940s, and around 30% of households are now led by a single person. 

Some of this change reflects positive trends, like women’s increasing economic self-sufficiency, and less social stigma toward unmarried people and LGBTQ+ individuals.

But some research shows that the rise of solo households also corresponds to more loneliness, and worse outcomes for physical and mental health. 

6. Loneliness epidemic

Between the shift to remote work, the loss of third spaces, and the rise of solo households, we’re becoming more socially isolated, and the research is clear: it’s taking a toll on our mental health. 

In December 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released a report declaring a “loneliness epidemic” in America. With our increased reliance on technology and decreased in-person interactions, more people are feeling lonely than ever before. 

Some of us are grieving the in-person connections we once enjoyed, And feeling lonely and disconnected from others can result in symptoms that look (and feel) a lot like grief. 

Finding Support

It’s important to note that collective grief does not affect all of us equally. Younger folks, older folks, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals are even more likely to be feeling the impacts of collective grief. 

If you believe you are struggling with post-pandemic grief, know that you are not alone. It can be very helpful to speak with others about your experience, and support from a trained and compassionate therapist can make a big difference. 

When you’re ready, you can schedule a free consultation here to see if we’re a good fit. Collective grief affects all of us, and we’re in this together.