Grief Support: Navigating Loss and Finding Support
Grief is a natural response to loss. It’s the emotional suffering you feel when something or someone you love is taken away. You may experience all kinds of difficult and unexpected emotions, from shock or anger to disbelief, guilt, and profound sadness. The pain of grief can also disrupt your physical health, making it difficult to sleep, eat, or even think straight. These are normal reactions to loss—and the more significant the loss, the more intense your grief will be. Be sure to seek support if you need it and reach out to family members and friends for help.
Grieving Together
In tough times, we are more vulnerable to stress, worry, anxiety, and depression. Taking care of ourselves and those around us is essential. Be kind—to yourself and to others.
The death of a friend, family member, or even someone we didn't know well can have a significant impact on our mental and physical health. It’s normal to feel stress, and sometimes these feelings may not appear for weeks or even months after the loss. It is important to watch for warning signs of prolonged or complicated grief.
Practical Tips for Self-Care
Grieving can feel overwhelming, but small, intentional acts of self-care can make a difference. Here are a few suggestions:
Grieving Different Types of Loss
Grief isn’t limited to the death of a loved one. It can also arise from other significant changes or losses, such as losing a job, facing a major illness, or the loss of a pet. Each type of loss deserves acknowledgment and compassion.
How CMS Can Help
At the Cooperative Memorial Society, we understand that grief can take many forms. While our primary focus is on helping members plan ahead, we also aim to support those coping with loss. Reach out to us for guidance on available resources and to learn more about how planning ahead can ease the burden for loved ones.
Cultural Considerations in Grieving
Grieving practices can vary significantly based on cultural or religious backgrounds. It is important to respect these traditions and be sensitive to how they shape an individual’s grieving process.
Support Resources in Alberta
Alberta Health Services offers a wide range of free resources to support you during times of grief. Here are some important contacts:
Get Help Now
Important Phone Numbers
Grief Support Resources: Visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca or call 811 for information on grieving and helping children and teens during times of loss. Some of the available resources include:
How to Support Someone Who is Grieving
The most important thing to do is simply be present, listen, and show that you care:
Final Thoughts
Grief is an intensely personal experience, and everyone copes differently. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help and to lean on those who care about you. You don’t have to go through it alone. Reach out to local resources and take time to heal at your own pace.
Grieving Together
In tough times, we are more vulnerable to stress, worry, anxiety, and depression. Taking care of ourselves and those around us is essential. Be kind—to yourself and to others.
The death of a friend, family member, or even someone we didn't know well can have a significant impact on our mental and physical health. It’s normal to feel stress, and sometimes these feelings may not appear for weeks or even months after the loss. It is important to watch for warning signs of prolonged or complicated grief.
Practical Tips for Self-Care
Grieving can feel overwhelming, but small, intentional acts of self-care can make a difference. Here are a few suggestions:
- Talk to Someone: Sharing your feelings with a trusted friend or counselor can help release some of the emotional weight.
- Keep a Journal: Writing down your thoughts and emotions may help you process the grief.
- Stay Active: Gentle physical activity, such as walking or yoga, can support mental well-being.
- Practice Mindfulness: Techniques like meditation or deep breathing can help manage anxiety and sadness.
Grieving Different Types of Loss
Grief isn’t limited to the death of a loved one. It can also arise from other significant changes or losses, such as losing a job, facing a major illness, or the loss of a pet. Each type of loss deserves acknowledgment and compassion.
How CMS Can Help
At the Cooperative Memorial Society, we understand that grief can take many forms. While our primary focus is on helping members plan ahead, we also aim to support those coping with loss. Reach out to us for guidance on available resources and to learn more about how planning ahead can ease the burden for loved ones.
Cultural Considerations in Grieving
Grieving practices can vary significantly based on cultural or religious backgrounds. It is important to respect these traditions and be sensitive to how they shape an individual’s grieving process.
Support Resources in Alberta
Alberta Health Services offers a wide range of free resources to support you during times of grief. Here are some important contacts:
Get Help Now
- Crisis/Distress Line:
- Edmonton: 780-482-4357
- Calgary: 403-266-HELP (4357)
- Text Support:
- Online Chat: Distress Centre
Important Phone Numbers
- Health Link: 811
- Mental Health Helpline: 1-877-303-2642
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Grief Support Resources: Visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca or call 811 for information on grieving and helping children and teens during times of loss. Some of the available resources include:
- Recovery After a Disaster or Emergency Resources
- Grief and Grieving: Overview
- Coping with Grief
- Unresolved Grief
- Complications of Grief
- Grief Dealing with Feelings of Insecurity
- Obstacles to Grieving
- Grief Counselling
- Stop Negative Thoughts
- Grief: Care Instructions
- Grief: Losing a loved one
- Grief: Helping Children Understand
- Grief: Helping Older Adults With Grief
- Handling Sadness and Yearning After a Major Loss
How to Support Someone Who is Grieving
The most important thing to do is simply be present, listen, and show that you care:
- Be tolerant: Accept that everyone grieves differently.
- Discover the gift of silence: Sometimes, just being there is enough.
- Be respectful: Refer to the person who has died by name.
- Allow people to grieve in their own way: Don’t interrupt; keep your comments brief and simple.
- “I’m sorry.”
- “I have not had the experience of losing a spouse/parent, but I can only imagine how difficult it is.”
- “This must be a difficult time for you…”
- “How stressful (or what a shock, or how sad) for you and your family…”
- “I cannot imagine what you are going through…”
- Ask non-invasive questions that reveal your interest and then be quiet.
- “I understand…”
- “I know how you feel…”
- “It was likely for the best…”
- “It is God’s will or it was their time to go…”
- “Be strong for the family…”
- “Time will heal…”
Final Thoughts
Grief is an intensely personal experience, and everyone copes differently. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help and to lean on those who care about you. You don’t have to go through it alone. Reach out to local resources and take time to heal at your own pace.
