Dealing with the loss of a parent can be a profoundly traumatic experience when it is unexpected, especially for young families. This unexpected loss is more intense, and the emotional impact resonates deeply within the family unit. Recognizing the unique challenges each child faces at different cognitive developmental stages is key to providing effective support.

In the realm of grief, the loss of a spouse or parent can be a devastating blow, especially for young families. The emotional turbulence that ensues is profound, and for those left behind, the first 5-6 months are akin to navigating through a storm where the waves of grief are relentless, crashing against the fragile stability of daily life.

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.

Father's Day is a bittersweet occasion for many individuals who have experienced the loss of their fathers. The absence of a father figure can be particularly challenging on this day, reminding us of the profound void left behind. However, amidst the sorrow, there are ways to commemorate our beloved dads, honouring their memory and finding solace in the cherished moments we shared. In this article, we will explore strategies for coping with Father's Day after the loss of a father, as well as ideas for honoring and remembering these extraordinary men.

Grief is a normal and natural response to loss, and it is something that everyone experiences at some point in their lives. Traumatic grief, however, is a more intense form of grief that can be caused by a traumatic event or experience. While both forms of grief involve feelings of sadness, pain, anger, and anxiety, there are some key differences between them.

The Sunday before the designated Mother’s Day has now been deemed as Motherless Mothers Day. This day allows those to join together in their loss while honouring their absent mother. Mother’s Day is a special day for many, but for those who have lost their mothers, it can be a difficult reminder of the absence, especially for the first couple years. The following suggestions are possible ways to spend the day that continues and honours your maternal relationship.

With the shorter days and colder winter months, many people experience what is often called the winter blues. It’s not uncommon to feel fatigue, sadness, difficulty concentrating, and a disruption in your sleep schedule during the winter season. Adding a dose of grief to the seasonal mix can increase the impulse to isolate, ignore self-care habits, can exacerbate feelings of depression.

Grief in the holidays can be a heavy load at times. Grief seems magnified during this time of year. Conflicting emotions and desires can create real tension within: you want to be happy with your family and friends, yet the absence of your loved one is so painful at the same time.

Did you know there are 7 types of grief? Isn't everybody’s grief the same? Yes, grief is all the deeply personal internal experience of your thoughts and feeling and this sounds straightforward. Yet, our grief and how we cope with the loss is greatly impacted by factors surrounding the loss.

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.

The holiday season can be especially challenging to those who are grieving because it is a season, not just a day, that is full of memories and traditions. Grief is hard work no matter the time of year. Tears will likely be a part of your season and may even take a sacred place at the holiday table. A helpful idea is to create your own holiday grief map. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

What to give to someone who has lost a loved one? This question is often asked and although flowers are the traditional gift of condolence, there are many other alternatives.

Although it is the natural order of life to expect your parents to die before you, many people are surprised by the complexity and depth of their grief when it happens. The death of a parent is a milestone in your life just as marriage, birth of children, or retirement. With the death of a parent there is a fundamental change in your identity and in the family structure.

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.

How long does grief last? Will I always feel out of control? What is the normal stages of grief?

During the first year, there will begin to be spaces between acute grief and then a special day or holiday looms in the future and we get dragged or pushed down the grief pit again. Each of these markers represents a general overview and carries with it the challenges of the initial year.

Everything reminds me of my loss. Yes, that’s the grief pain of secondary losses caused by the death, divorce, break up. It’s the subtle little events of everyday life that repeatedly pokes and pushes triggers of the emotional loss. Secondary losses are the changes or absence of routines, conversations, or experiences once my person (or pet) is there no longer. The loss is felt again and again. It feels like the grief is sneaking up and blindsiding me all the time, especially in those first months and year.

What is meant by anticipatory grief? It is normal to feel grief whenever there is a loss. What is puzzling is that anticipatory grief begins before a death when aspects of the previous life is lost to the disease. The technical term is ambiguous loss when a person is physically present but mentally lost. Addictions, mental psychosis, dementia, or Alzheimers’s are examples of ambiguous loss. Yes, grief can begin without a death.

Losing a pet is a valid form of loss and grief. It is often explained that a pet becomes a member of the family so no wonder its absence is felt deeply. Our life and home are not the same without our pet’s presence. Often, we have lived with our pet for years and our routine has been shaped by its presence. Pets are a constant and loving companion to families and singles. Loving and loss go hand in hand. This declaration is a list of statements to guide you in your grief.