CARLOS T. CARTER
The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted our Black communities resulting in the loss of many of our friends and family members. In response, this month’s health page focuses on ways to care for ourselves and one another as we navigate loss and grief.
What is grief and how does impact us?
Grief is the sense of sorrow most profoundly caused by death. However, individuals can also experience grief from separation or any form of loss.
In the case of someone’s death, grief is particularly challenging as there is finality to the separation.
Grief impacts us in many ways and, when it’s not addressed in a healthy way, it can lead to depression, sorrow, and sickness.
Grief can be especially difficult around the holidays, as we are accustomed to our loved ones being a part of our traditions. When they’re no longer with us, it can be devastating.
How have you personally managed grief?
This month’s health page provides seven ways to take care of yourself during grief. For me personally, taking care of my health, and leveraging my faith community are two things that stood out to me.
When I have experienced loss in my life, I find that exercising, prayer and relying on my faith and friends have been things that have helped me the most.
When I lost my job, my father — and faced other disappointments in my life — I found these things helped me to persevere. Losing someone is never easy, but you must find a way to put one foot in front of the other.
Finally, practicing gratitude has helped me immensely. Learning to count my blessings and being thankful for the smallest things have brought me joy in difficult times.
What are ways in which you would like to see us coming together to support each other in healing and recovery?
In the Black community, there has been a lot of grief associated with the isolation and the large number of COVID-19- related deaths. This underscores the need to support each other. We need to be intentional in our efforts, including reaching out to our family, friends, and neighbors any way we can. We need to provide support and let people know they’re not alone.
Our “it’s-all-about-me” culture is dangerous. We must check on the well-being of others and be quick to listen to and support people in our community. There is nothing better than someone who provides a listening ear and performs small acts of kindness to someone who’s experiencing grief or loss in their lives.
I challenge everyone to be the change they want to see in the world. One person can always make a difference by showing love to someone in their community.
If you are the one experiencing loss, know that it’s ok to not be ok. Lean on your friends, family, and faith community. You are loved and we’ll help you get through this.
Carlos T. Carter is President and CEO of Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh
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