Grief counsellor: How to help friends deal with grief amidst dealing with a pandemic

Grief counsellor: How to help friends deal with grief amidst dealing with a pandemic

Joe Mann lost his father and mother in the past two days to COVID-19. How do you help friends and family with the devastating pain? Grief counsellor Gerrie Pretorius shares some helpful tips.

Joe Mann
Supplied/ Joe Mann and his mother Dr Deborah Maphoko Mampuru

It's been an emotional and devastating week for Joe Mann as he lost his father and mother in the past two days due to COVID-19. 

Dealing with grief amidst dealing with a pandemic puts tremendous strain on us and those around us.

READ: "He was our pillar" - Joe Mann's father loses battle against COVID-19 

The Scenic Drive team invited grief counsellor, Gerrie Pretorius, in honour of helping our grieving friend, and to help our listeners, to give some advice on how to: 

  • Deal with grief trauma of losing a loved one - especially to COVID-19.
  • How do we support our friends, family and colleagues during their grieving periods.


"Sometimes we do not have words - this is the time to start listening. Just listen and give support." 

"Due to COVID-19, we are not allowed to see people - send a voice note - let them hear your voice." 

Tune in to the 'Scenic Drive with Rian', weekdays from 16:00-19:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.

Show's Stories