DT3

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Liberty University *

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705

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Arts Humanities

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Dec 6, 2023

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Grief is common to mankind and when addressing counseling to seemingly impossible problems (June & Black, 2002), one must consider the uniqueness of COVID death. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on individuals and families worldwide. As of February 2023, over 400 million cases have been reported globally, with over 6 million deaths (World Health Organization, 2023). The pandemic has disrupted daily life, causing significant economic, social, and emotional distress. The loss of loved ones due to COVID-19 has been particularly devastating, leaving families struggling to cope with grief and loss. The pandemic has disrupted traditional grieving practices and exacerbated existing issues related to grief and bereavement. In response to this, an ecological and environmental approach can be used to support families dealing with COVID-19 death grief. Ecological and environmental approaches emphasize the interconnectedness of individuals, families, communities, and the environment (Scott & Wolfe, 2015). These approaches recognize that people's experiences are shaped by a range of factors, including social, cultural, economic, and environmental factors. Applying this perspective to grief and bereavement involves recognizing the multiple levels of influence on individuals and families' experiences of grief and loss as well as the cumulative impacts for the community at large when developing a community-based ecological plan for support and advocacy. At the individual level , grief and bereavement are deeply personal experiences that vary in intensity and duration. In the context of COVID-19, the loss of a loved one can be particularly challenging due to the suddenness of the loss, the isolation and social distancing measures in place, and the stigma associated with the virus (Strobe, et al., 2020). Individuals may experience a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, guilt, and anxiety. They may also struggle with physical symptoms, such as fatigue and insomnia. An ecological and environmental approach to grief and bereavement recognizes the importance of addressing these individual-level experiences through individualized and culturally responsive interventions, such as grief counseling, support groups, and self-care practices. These must be included in a community- based approach to care. At the family level , the loss of a loved one can have a significant impact on the family unit's dynamics and functioning. The pandemic has created unique challenges for families, including limited access to social support, financial strain, and increased caregiving responsibilities. Families may also experience conflict and tension as they navigate the grieving process, particularly if there are disagreements about funeral arrangements or the distribution of assets. An ecological and environmental approach to grief and bereavement recognizes the importance of addressing these family-level experiences through family therapy and other family-based interventions that promote open communication, shared decision-making, and mutual support. At the community level , the loss of multiple individuals to COVID-19 can have a profound impact on the community's social and cultural fabric. The pandemic has highlighted existing inequalities and injustices in society, particularly in marginalized communities that are disproportionately impacted by the virus. Communities may also struggle with the stigma associated with COVID-19 and the loss of loved ones. An ecological and environmental approach to grief and bereavement recognizes the importance of addressing these community-

level experiences through community-based interventions, such as memorial services, the use of art and memorials, and other creative expressions of grief. At the environmental level , the pandemic has highlighted the importance of creating sustainable and resilient communities that are better equipped to respond to crises. An ecological and environmental approach to grief and bereavement recognizes the importance of addressing these environmental-level experiences through policies and practices that promote environmental sustainability, social justice, and resilience. For example, governments and organizations can invest in renewable energy, prioritize public health, and create social safety nets that provide financial and emotional support to families and communities impacted by crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Advocacy for changes in policy, as well as financial and social support programs are critical components for support. Community intervention planning: The ecological and environmental approach takes into account the interconnectedness of individuals with their environment, recognizing the reciprocal relationship between individuals and their surroundings (Bronfenbrenner, 1979). This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding the context in which individuals live and operate, and how this context affects their health and wellbeing. In the context of grief and loss, the ecological and environmental approach recognizes the importance of providing holistic support to families, taking into account the social, cultural, spiritual, economic, and environmental factors that influence their grief experience. Community-based interventions, such as grief support groups, can provide families with a supportive network during the grieving process. These interventions are often led by trained facilitators, who provide education, guidance, and emotional support to participants. Virtual Support The use of technology, including virtual support groups and online grief counseling, can provide families with access to supportive networks during the grieving process. Virtual support groups allow individuals to connect with others who have experienced similar losses, providing a sense of community and belonging. Online counseling services provide individuals with access to mental health professionals, who can provide support and guidance as they navigate the grieving process. These services are particularly important for individuals who are unable to access traditional in-person support due to geographical or logistical barriers. Religious Organization and Church Support Community-based interventions can also provide families with practical support, such as meal delivery, childcare, or transportation, which can help alleviate some of the stress associated with grief. I would argue that the church is best poised, equipped, and organized for this type of support compared to local governments thereby demonstrating that churches have an important

role to play in providing support to their communities during difficult times, especially when dealing with grief. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4, NIV). This passage from the Gospel of Matthew emphasizes the importance of mourning and the comfort that can be provided to those who are grieving. Churches who are the backbone of society and the local community can draw upon this passage to provide comfort and support to those who are grieving due to the loss of a loved one from COVID-19. Christians have a different manner in the way that they grieve in light of eternity. 1 Thessalonians 4:13 states “ Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope ” (NIV). The role that churches can play in supporting individuals and communities who are grieving due to COVID-19 pandemic deaths is critical in offering for healing, as well as provide social support in the ecological model. Churches and their members not only provide emotional and spiritual support, through benevolence, servanthood and stewardship provide practical assistance to those who are grieving help when there is a critical void left due to the loss of a loved one (Carter, 2020). 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 states “ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” Through parishioner support, sharing one another’s burdens and drawing upon biblical teachings utilizing community-based interventions, churches and their members can help provide comfort and support to those in need on an existential level for holistic care and a full ecology of community-based support. References: Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The ecology of human development: Experiments by nature and design. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. Bryant-Davis, T., & Wong, E. C. M. (2013). Faith and the global pandemic: A hopeful perspective. Journal of Psychology and Christianity, 32(3), 233-237. Carter, C. (2020). Grief and COVID-19: The Role of the Church. Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling, 74(4), 235-237. https://doi.org/10.1177/1542305020964414 June, L. N., & Black, S. D. (2002). Counseling for Seemingly Impossible Problems . A Biblical Perspective . Grand Rapids, MI: Harper Collins. Stroebe, M., Schut, H., & Boelen, P. (2020). Grief in times of COVID-19: A review and theoretical reflection. Omega-Journal of Death and Dying, 82(4), 500-522.

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