The Impact of Grief on Youth’s Mental Health during COVID-19 in Mopani District

Abstract

Loss of a loved one to death is a tragic experience, and the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) exacerbated the death toll. To curb the massive increase in the death toll, the South African government introduced various regulations to regulate the burial process. However, these COVID-19 regulations have caused distress in the way bereaved families observe and practice cultural rituals and practices after death in African contexts. People have a hard time complying, and funerals have been called viral ‘super-spreaders’. Hence, the current study aimed at exploring the impact of grief on youth mental health during COVID-19 in the Mopani District. This study employed a qualitative approach guided by an explorative design. A sample of 15 participants was selected purposefully. An unstructured interview guide was used to collect data, and the analysis employed a thematic approach. The results revealed that the psychological effects of grief on youth mental health during COVID-19 include emotional distress, depression, denial, and fear. The results further showed that the social effects of grief on the youth were social isolation, poor academic performance, and financial strain. Strategies used to cope with grief by youth during the pandemic include counselling, exercising, social media, and acceptance of death. The study recommends the need for targeted mental health interventions for grieving youth in rural communities. There is a clear demand for accessible, culturally sensitive, and youth-friendly mental health services to help young people navigate grief and build resilience.