The Many Losses of COVID
As humans, loss is something we all experience. One way to make sense of this is to look at a number of different types of loss.
Make a copy of this list of 42 losses that could be related to the Covid pandemic. Then, place an X in the box next to each loss that you have experienced as a result of the pandemic during 2020-2022.
Check the Loss Box
| ☐ Loss of the world as I knew it | ☐ Loss of finances |
| ☐ Loss of touch—handshakes, hugs, kisses | ☐ Loss of job |
| ☐ Loss of face-to-face activities and communication | ☐ Loss of safety |
| ☐ Loss of freedom to go where I want | ☐ Loss of time |
| ☐ Loss of shopping experiences | ☐ Loss of sleep |
| ☐ Loss of eating out, going to the theatre | ☐ Loss of appetite |
| ☐ Loss of going to the park or entertainment center | ☐ Loss of my business |
| ☐ Loss of general interaction with family members | ☐ Loss of innocence |
| ☐ Loss of ability to celebrate important events | ☐ Loss of job location |
| ☐ Loss of loved one’s health to Covid-related disability | ☐ Loss of trust in the government |
| ☐ Loss of a feeling of community | ☐ Loss of energy |
| ☐ Loss of a friend or acquaintance to a Covid death | ☐ Loss of my spiritual beliefs |
| ☐ Loss of faith in my fellow human beings | ☐ Loss of a personal goal |
| ☐ Loss of personal contact with my health care provider | ☐ Loss of my daily routine |
| ☐ Loss of life on a global scale | ☐ Loss of learning opportunities |
| ☐ Loss of educational location | ☐ Loss of my home |
| ☐ Loss of religious/spiritual gatherings | ☐ Loss of food availability |
| ☐ Loss of trust in the health care system | ☐ Loss of ability to concentrate |
| ☐ Loss of my health as a result of Covid | ☐ Loss of previous support |
| ☐ Loss of loved one to a Covid death | ☐ Loss of sports activities |
| ☐ Loss of my personal health unrelated to Covid | ☐ Loss of hope for the future |
- Next, choose the five most important losses for you. Write them here:
_______________, ________________, ______________, __________________, _________________
- Circle the reactions have you had to these losses: sadness, anger, guilt, anxiety, worry, fatigue, headaches, helplessness, confusion, hopelessness, fear, isolated, sleep problems, job strains
- What are effective ways that you have coped with the losses?__________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
- In looking back at the past years, what have gained or learned during the time of Covid? ___________________________________________________________________________
- As you continue with life, what lessons will you take with you?_________________________________
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Bob Baugher, Ph.D., Psychology Department, Highline College, Des Moines, Washington, www.bobbaugher.com
Check out Bob Baugher’s books: Amazon.com: Bob Baugher: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle
Read more by Bob Baugher: Understanding Anger During Bereavement – Open to Hope
