It’s OK to grieve what we lost during the pandemic.

One young woman lost her chance to lead the marching band. A young man missed earning a sports scholarship. Another family’s father died.

Sound familiar? There have been lots of losses and disappointments this past year! If you feel sad or angry about how the pandemic changed your life, that’s totally understandable. And there’s a word for those upset feelings: grief.

Grief is a natural reaction to loss or uncertainty. Generally, it includes feelings of denial, anger, bargaining, depression—and eventually acceptance. People go through these stages in different orders and for different lengths of time.

Here are suggestions experts have for coping with grief:

• Let yourself feel the grief instead of pushing it away.
• Seek support from people who care about you.
• Express your true feelings. (It’s OK to cry! Or not cry.)
• Take care of yourself physically, which will help emotionally.
• Realize there is no “normal” timetable for grief.

The Savior understands your challenges and feelings perfectly. He knows how to succor you. Stay close to Him, and He will help you find healing and peace as you move forward in life.