Grief and Loss

Grief is a natural and deeply personal response to loss. It can affect us in many ways, both emotionally and physically:

• It can trigger intense emotions such as anger, anxiety, depression, helplessness, hopelessness, and profound sadness.
• Sleep patterns often change, leading to either too much or too little rest, which can cause daytime fatigue, difficulty focusing, and even headaches.
• Grief can also manifest physically, with symptoms like loss of appetite, overeating, nausea, or stomach pain.
• It may interfere with daily life, impacting relationships, work, and overall well-being.
• In some cases, people turn to alcohol or substances to cope.

Grief can feel overwhelming, but it’s essential to face it head-on. Here are some helpful ways to navigate the healing process:

• Allow yourself to grieve. Ignoring or bottling up your emotions is not a sign of strength. Processing and expressing your feelings are a key part of healing.
• Just like recovering from a physical injury, emotional healing takes time.
• Be open with your friends and family about your feelings and what you need from them.
• Try to maintain a routine. If you have the energy, focus on small tasks that give you a sense of normalcy.

Here are some practical strategies to help you cope with grief:

• Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness you’d show a close friend. Accept your emotions without judgment and be gentle with yourself.
• Take care of yourself: Rest, eat well, stay clean, go for a walk, read, or listen to music—whatever helps you recharge.
• Stay connected: Talk to friends and family, seek counseling, or connect with others who have experienced grief. Isolation can make things harder.
• Create a support list: Write down the names and contact info of people you can rely on, and keep it close when you need support.

Celebrating the life of the person you’ve lost can be a powerful part of the healing process. Here are some ways to honour their memory:

• Create a memory scrapbook or collage.
• Write down special memories and keep them in a memory jar.
• Collect keepsakes and other meaningful items.
• Gather with friends or family who knew them to share a meal and reminisce.
• Plant a tree or garden in their memory.

Grief can sometimes become overwhelming. Watch for these signs that you may need additional support:

• Persistent loss of appetite
• Intense sadness or prolonged sleep issues
• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
• Drug or alcohol abuse

If you’re struggling to cope with grief, it’s okay to seek help.

When coping with grief, talking to someone can be a helpful step toward healing. To find a counselor, consider speaking with your doctor, another healthcare provider, or reaching out to one of the following resources:

• Resource Assistance for Youth: 125 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB. | 204-783-5617 | www.rayinc.ca
• Aurora Family Therapy Centre: University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB | 204-786-9251 | www.aurorafamilytherapy.com
• Youville Centre: 6-845 Dakota St., Winnipeg, MB | 204-255-4840 | www.youville.ca
• Klinic Community Health: 167 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB | 204-784-4090 | www.klinic.mb.ca
• Compassionate Friends: 685 William Ave., Winnipeg, MB | 204-787-4896 | www.tcfwinnipeg.org