Cleaning out a loved one’s belongings after their passing is one of the most emotionally complex parts of grieving. It’s a deeply personal process that can feel like a delicate balance between holding on and letting go. Among all the tasks that come with this, sorting through clothes often feels the most intimate. These were the pieces they wore, the items closest to their skin, tied to their scent, and the memories of everyday moments. How do you navigate this task without feeling like you’re erasing their presence?

While Christmas is about family, New Year’s can feel like an entirely different struggle. A new year is a fresh start for many, but for those grieving, it often feels like a painful reminder. Another year without them. Another step farther from the time you had together. It’s a lot to process.

As the seasons change and winter settles in, many of us feel a shift in our mood. The shorter days, colder temperatures, and lack of sunlight can bring about a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). For those already navigating the challenging path of grief, the impact of SAD can feel particularly heavy. Grief is a complex, deeply personal experience, and when paired with seasonal mood changes, it can feel overwhelming. However, there are ways to navigate this season with resilience and care, and one of the most beautiful approaches is inspired by the Scandinavian concept of “hygge.”

I believe that grief is a complex and non-linear process, requiring time, courage, and energy. I grant myself the permission to grief in my own way.

Survivor guilt is a powerful and debilitating emotion that often haunts those left behind after a suicide. It stems from the belief that somehow, you could have prevented the tragedy, or that you bear some responsibility for the loss. This guilt can manifest in various ways, such as feeling responsible for not having seen any signs or not having intervened in time. In reality, suicidal individuals often hide their pain well, making it nearly impossible for friends and family to recognize the depth of their suffering.

Suicide, a profoundly tragic and deeply perplexing act, leaves in its wake a trail of heartache that defies understanding. Within the shock of this loss, survivors frantically search for the understanding how their loved one came to this decision. Today I want to offer a guiding hand to those who are grappling with the loss of a loved one to suicide.

Grief often feels like an endless tunnel with no light, but caring for yourself can gently illuminate the path ahead. It's a proclamation that even in the darkest times, we dare to believe in a future that holds restoration and renewed joy. Hope is the ember that survives even the fiercest storm, and self-care is the gentle breath that fans it into a flame.

In the midst of heartache and despair, grief can unexpectedly become a powerful catalyst for personal growth and transformation. As a grief counselor and transformational coach, I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable resilience that individuals can exhibit in the face of loss.

Dealing with grief can be an overwhelming and painful experience. It is a journey that affects each person differently, making it essential to find effective coping strategies. While distraction may seem counterintuitive when it comes to grieving, it can actually serve as a valuable tool for managing your emotions. In this article, we will explore how to use distraction to help manage your grief.

Losing a sibling is an immense and deeply personal loss. As we navigate the turbulent waters of grief, it is crucial to extend compassion and understanding to ourselves and those around us. Embracing support, cherishing memories, and prioritizing self-care can provide solace and help us move forward with resilience. Although the pain may never fully subside, by honouring our siblings' legacies and finding meaning in our lives, we can embark on a journey of healing and growth while keeping their memory alive in our hearts.

Hope is an attitude, a mindset that allows a grounded and optimistic outlook, even in the most challenging circumstances. Thus it is within times of adversity when we learn how to hope, not in times of ease. It is within these challenges that we believe we have the power to change our lives. Our hope is not a fixed entity but has degrees and can be activated and cultivated.

This letter to grief was the final assignment written by a bereaved daughter who cared for her mother.

There are many symptoms of grief that can be overwhelming. Here is a list of ways to gain control and cope with your expression of grief.

Why does grief and anxiety go together? Since anxiety is a stress response and grief is certainly a stress, it makes sense that they can go together. Your loss may be recent or many years ago, but anxiety can become an expression of grief that you may not realize.

You may begin to experience anniversary grief response as you approach the upcoming date. The following list may be some of the signs you are experiencing an anniversary grief response: increased feelings of sadness, loss, depression, loneliness, anxiety, fatigue, irritability or anger, as well as physical symptoms, such as sleeplessness, lack of an appetite, difficulty concentrating or an increase in distressing memories, among other things. But you have made it through a full year and if you allow it, hope for the future can be also felt. 

Year 2 of grief is often called the “lonely year”. Many people think that once surviving the first year, and yes, it does feel like you are just hanging by your fingernails, the rest will be easy. Often I hear “I feel like I’m starting all over again” .You aren’t. This is a good time to rejoin a support group or a grief retreat.