Grief and living with loss
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What is grief?
Grief is a normal reaction to the loss of a loved one. It can also be a reaction to the loss of relationships, physical ability, opportunities or future hopes and dreams. Grieving is not a single emotional experience but a process where we learn to live or cope with the loss of someone in our lives. Both bereavement and mourning are part of grieving.
Living with loss
Everyone grieves differently. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Here are a few suggestions that may help you during this difficult time to live with your loss:
- Take one day at a time. There is no set time period for grieving.
- Know your needs and limits.
- You are not alone. Do not be afraid to ask for help if you feel you need support.
If you are supporting someone who is grieving:
- Remind them that you are there for them
- Express your feelings to show them that it is normal to feel sad and grieve
Adapted from Canadian Cancer Society and Bereaved Families of Ontario – Toronto
Websites
Videos
Aftering
Go to http://www.aftering.com/podcasts to listen to podcasts from people who share their experiences.
TED Talks
Go to https://tedxinnovations.ted.com to watch people tell their stories on grief and loss.
Booklets
Information Brochures (Bereaved Families of Ontario)
Go to BFOtoronto.ca
Coping with Grief (University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health)
Go to fammed.wisc.edu/integrative/resources
Support services
Odette Patient & Family Support
Telephone: 416-480-4623
Location: TG-230 (T-wing, ground floor)
Support services for caregivers and family who are living with grief and loss.
Sunnybrook Spiritual & Religious Care
Non-Urgent Telephone: 416-480-4421
Free spiritual care to families and caregivers, of all faith backgrounds as well as those with no religious affiliation.
Bereaved Families of Ontario
Telephone: 416.440.0290
Website: bfotoronto.ca
Email: info@bfotoronto.ca
One-to-one sessions, telephone support and mutual support groups.
Soaring Spirits International
Phone: 1.877.671.4071
Website: soaringspirits.org
Email: contact@sslf.org
Canadian Virtual Hospice
Website: virtualhospice.ca
Canadian Cancer Society
Toll-free: 1.888.939.3333
Website: cancer.ca/support
Email: ccs@cancer.ca
Free services include peer support, support groups, online communities, and a cancer information telephone line.
Dr. Jay Children's Grief Centre
Website: drjaychildrensgriefcentre.ca
Telephone: 416.360.1111
Gilda's Club Toronto
Telephone: 416.214.9898
Website: gildasclubtoronto.org
Location: Toronto
Wellspring
Telephone: 1.877.499.9904
Website: wellspring.ca
Location(s): Several including Westerkirk House (on the Sunnybrook campus)
Free programs and services including peer support and a bereavement support group for caregivers and family.
While this information may be useful, it is intended for educational purposes only. Please continue to ask your health care team if you have questions or concerns. For any other inquiries, please contact us at patienteducation@sunnybrook.ca.