Tips to help with grief and loss

Helping yourself

• Where possible, participate in bereavement activities such as planning and attending a funeral/memorial service, or engaging in cultural customs or social rituals which are associated with the loss.
• Remember to ask for help if you need it; don’t be afraid to speak up and admit that you are struggling to cope with your loss.
• Be honest with family and friends about how you are feeling and be open to accepting their help.
• Allow yourself time to grieve your loss.
• Talk with others who share a similar experience; joining a bereavement support group (in person or online) can be helpful.
• Take care of your physical health; participate in regular exercise, eat healthy meals, limit alcohol use, and continue to attend medical check-ups.
• Participate in enjoyable activities, hobbies, and interests as much as you can.
• Try to maintain normal sleep patterns.
• Practice relaxation or mindfulness activities to help calm the mind and body.
• Reflect on your religious or spiritual beliefs.

Helping someone else

• Provide practical support, such as helping with funeral arrangements, assisting with housework and meal preparation, and buying groceries.
• Support the person emotionally; providing comfort and reassurance, talking about the person’s loss, listening with compassion, or sharing memories are important to the healing process.
• Be a source of information support, such as financial advice, or helping the person understand how and/or why the loss occurred.
• Do not just focus on the person’s loss; talk about everyday life and current affairs.
• Check in with the person weeks, and even months, after the loss to show you still care.
• Suggest that they speak to a professional if their grief does not seem to be lessening over time or they are struggling to function.