A pandemic of grief that refuses to ebb

Trauma has outlasted the destructive COVID second wave, which peaked around May 2021, with a large number of bereaved individuals struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder. The sudden loss of a loved one has rendered their lives unbearable even a year on, as grief hits them like a tsunami in the form of intense flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, guilt, regret and fear

It has been two years since one of the worst possible calamities hit the world, leaving behind indelible scars on the collective psyche of humanity. And exactly a year ago, its fiercest form rattled the faith of each and every person alive.

The traumatic phase between last week of April and third week of May 2021 will remain entrenched in the minds of a large number of people for many years to come, especially those who lost their close kin to the terrible second wave of COVID-19 pandemic.

Many among the survivors are still grappling with severe psychological effects, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and unresolved and inexplicable guilt, which is pushing them over the edge.

For many, the guilt stems from the isolated death of their kin in some hospital, far away from the warmth of home and care of family members. Even for those who stayed by the side of their dying loved ones, and saw them suffer, it is no less traumatic.

Mahati was hardly 15 years old when she lost her parents to the second wave. She was not allowed to see her father in hospital owing to differences in family, but visits to her mother were permitted. “My mother stayed in hospital for 45 days. I would visit her every day, and she would ask me what we had cooked at home. Once when I told her we had chicken, she said she was hungry, but was not allowed to eat. She died of starvation,” recalls Mahati, breaking down into sobs.

She now stays with her grandmother, an 85-year-old who is unable to get over the grief yet.

“I am in Intermediate second year. My only escape from grief is my college, but I had to skip many college days because granny would not eat. I hold back my trauma to give her strength. Still, she keeps crying, hiding from me. I am scared for her. I am scared for my future,” Mahati says.