Why It's Harder To Mourn During A Pandemic

Grief is never easy. But being unable to hold a regular funeral -- or even be with your loved one during their last days -- can often make the mourning process even harder.

Dr. Katherine Shear of Columbia university says rituals surrounding death are an important part of the health process.

"Without those rituals we struggle a lot more with coming to terms with the loss, which is of course what we have to do," said Shear. Ultimately healing requires us to "regroup and find our way forward."

Shear says she's seeing a lot more prolonged grief these days, where the feelings disrupt everyday life beyond what's considered a healthy degree and amount of time.

READ MORE ABOUT MOURNING A LOVED ONE DURING THE PANDEMIC:

• Grieving Is Hard. Grieving During A Pandemic Is Even Harder

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