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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Companionship. Daily routines. Laughter. Exercise. New friends at the dog park. Living with a purpose. Life with a pet is a source of health and joy for many elders and singles. Cats, dogs, rabbits, horses, and other pets can reduce loneliness and depression, along with easing anxiety. And then all these benefits are gone.

For many children, losing a pet is often their first experience with death. As a parent, this may be the first time you explain and support your family through a loss.