Five Facts

1. Grief is permanent. There is no ‘getting over it.’ When we lose people who matter to us, a part of us will always miss them.
    
2. Love is forever. There is no ‘closure’. Even though people die, our relationships with them don’t. The bonds we share remain, even after someone dies.
    
3. There isn’t a right/best way to grieve. It’s important that you figure out what your way to grieve is; and then do it. Grief is different for everyone.
    
4. Some people won’t understand. Maybe they’ve never experienced a major loss. If you want them to understand, you’ll need to talk openly about your grief.
    
5. Grieving serves a purpose. It helps us adjust to the reality of our lives without the people we’ve lost and to create new ways feel connected to them.

Dos and Don’ts

Usually grief naturally shifts and softens over time, however, there are some things you can do to ease this process:

DO take care of yourself. Drink water. Rest, if you can’t sleep. Eat something, even when you don’t feel hungry. Move your body. Make sure to get outside at least once a day. Take a walk if you can.

DO let the people you’re close to know how you’re doing. They may not ask because they’re unsure of what to say; so tell them. *If there is no one to share your grief with, see a grief counsellor or join a grief support group.

DO visit your family doctor. Schedule a check-up. Make sure your doctor knows that you’re newly bereaved.

DON’T avoid the things that make you sad (or happy). Grief naturally ebbs and flows. Allow this to happen, it’s a good thing.

DON’T isolate yourself. Even though you may not want to, spend time with other people. Keep it brief, leave when you need to, but see people.

DON’T pretend you’re OK if you aren’t. Not for anyone. Living with grief can be very isolating; be honest about what’s really going on with you.