While most people survive COVID-19, many do not. As of this writing, more than 163,000 people in the United States have passed away due to this virus. Whether you have had the virus or not, this number can be frightening.
For those who have contracted and survived the virus, knowing that others have not been as lucky can be difficult to grapple with. You may ask yourself why you survived and someone else didn’t. This feeling is known as survivor’s guilt, and it can be particularly intense if you personally know someone who died from COVID-19.
Therapy can help you cope with this intense, normal, and difficult feeling. You may also try a few of these coping strategies:
- Pay it forward: Perhaps the best way to combat survivor’s guilt is to help others. Donating to a charity or helping a neighbor can not only better your community but also improve your mental health.
- Practice gratitude: Turn guilt into gratitude by taking the time to appreciate what you have. Try keeping a gratitude journal and writing down three things that you’re thankful for every day.
- Recognize your challenges: While it’s important to practice gratitude, it’s equally important to recognize all that you have overcome. Whether it’s related to COVID-19 or not, it’s likely that you have faced plenty of obstacles in life. Similarly, avoid comparing your struggles to others’.
- Accept your emotions: Survivor’s guilt is a normal reaction to this type of situation. Don’t add to your struggles by feeling guilty about survivor’s guilt. Instead, embrace your feelings and give yourself the space to process them. That could mean going to therapy, journaling, or talking to a loved one.
If you’re struggling with your mental health in the wake of COVID-19, you’re not alone. Your feelings are real and valid. Most importantly, help is available. Our compassionate mental health care providers work together to create a personalized care plan for you. Whether you need psychiatric care, therapy, or both, we can help.