Sudden Grief Can Cause PTSD

In Grenada, every evening on local television, the obituaries are read. Each name represents not only their death but also people touched by their lives. During the first surge of COVID cases, many people died. Grief, especially sudden, can cause Post Traumatic Stress.

 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a term commonly attached to some soldiers who, after returning home from being deployed, experience intense feelings and experiences. These range from flashbacks, distressing memories, ongoing fear, feelings of shame, angry outbursts to deep sadness. A person experiencing loss can be impacted the same way. Additionally, the need to adhere to protocols impacted cultural and traditional grieving rituals, such as the prohibited church services, visiting the bereaved, to not being permitted to be with them in their final moments.

 

Central Health-Grenada interviewed Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Augustine Panchoo on the matter of grief and PTSD as part of its October series entitled, “Grief, Grenada & COVID.” During the interview, Dr. Panchoo’s discourse unpacked startling facts about death’s effects on the human mind. To view the first half of the interview with Dr. Panchoo –click here.

 

 Central Health – Grenada extends condolences to families who have lost someone due to COVID or other causes. It is the hope this October series can help someone.

Central Health-Grenada is a grassroots initiative. Its purpose is to educate nationals about chronic non-communicable diseases. As Covid-19 has devastating effects on persons with pre-existing conditions, Central Health-Grenada felt it important to highlight its impact on those most at risk

Grief, Grenada & COVID (October Series)

 

Grenada's Ministry of Health has implemented specific measures to keep citizens safe before, during, and after funerals. 

The first part of memorial service within churches is not permitted. Health Protocols also prohibit burials having more than 20 people in attendance. Only a minimum of two people can officially identify the remains of the deceased before the coffin is sealed. Gatherings of persons from different households are discouraged, disrupting traditions such as third-night prayers and visits to the homes of the bereaved to console. 

 

Because of these repercussions and more, Central Health – Grenada is highlighting how these multiple layers cause trauma through a new October Series entitled “Grief, Grenada & COVID,” as the death of a loved one during these ‘covidious’ times can cause additional levels of emotional stress.

 

The first two installments of Grief, Grenada & COVID lean on Bishop Clyde Harvey Roman Catholic Diocese of St. George's in Grenada and Rev. Gerard Keens-Douglas, Senior Pastor of St. George’s Evangelical Church and Moderator for ECWI – Grenada, for advice. Spiritual leaders play a significant role in helping persons cope during types of crises. This strategy is recognized and encouraged by the World Health Organization. 

 

In a 2020 Interim Guidance entitled, Practical considerations and recommendations for religious leaders and faith-based communities in the context of COVID-19: interim guidance, 7 April 2020 (who.int), there is a subsection that focuses on safe burial practices. Within that portion, it states, “Faith leaders can help grieving families to ensure that their departed loved ones receive respectful, appropriate funerals and burial rites, even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.” The document not only recognizes that mourners should be shown respect but also included, “If the family of the deceased wishes to view the body after its removal from the medical facility where the family member has died, they may be allowed to do so, in accordance with local physical distancing restriction, with no touching or kissing of the body and thorough handwashing before and after viewing.”

 

BishopClyde Harvey answers to questions:

1. How is a person supposed to wrap their mind around what has happened, plus missing the usual funeral process?
2. Any final words of comfort for those who are experiencing loss?

Rev. Gerard Keens-Douglas responds to: 

1. The impact of the protocols on the grieving process.
2. Request for words of comfort for those who are grieving.

 

Central Health – Grenada extends condolences to families who have lost someone due to COVID or other causes. It is the hope this October series can help someone.