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Catholic Health Association of Manitoba

GRIEF AND BEREAVEMENT

One of the biggest changes in life comes when someone we cherish leaves us through death. Grief is a reaction to losing someone. We all have experienced those loses throughout our lives. We all know grief, in our unique, personal way. Yet grief is something that connects us, as we all experience it. It is neither bad nor immoral, and cannot be processed by someone else.

Grief can also be experienced through separation and divorce.

We need to acknowledge that our grief has exacted its toll on us, but also appreciate what we have learned; understand that we can, and that those who cared about us want us to, move on.

Pregnancy or infant loss series:

Grief support:

When your child has died
When your grandparent has died
When your friend has died
When your co-worker has died
Grief and medical assistance in dying
When someone has died by suicide
When your parent has died
When your husband, wife or partner has died

Grief Resources 

Coping with grief can be difficult at any time. In a world where social contact is limited and access to physical resources are restrained, it’s important to know that there are still people you can reach out to when you’re struggling with grief. From articles about grief to free, over the phone counselling, you are not alone. Physical distancing doesn’t need to mean social distancing; we’re here for you.

First, take a look at Palliative Manitoba’s Telephone Bereavement Program. In this program, you’re matched with a volunteer; they’re not trained counsellors, but caring citizens who want to support you in your time of need. You’ll be able to speak with them around once a week, and your relationship might last a year or longer.

Those who are in need of more immediate care can access a wide variety of crisis lines. The Government of Manitoba provides a list of crisis lines. Don’t worry too much about whether or not your situation is severe enough to be called a crisis - if you feel overwhelmed and you need help right now, it’s a crisis.

You might take a look at some of the many articles speak about the collective grief we’re all feeling right now, while others will speak specifically to the bereavement process during a time when communities can’t physically gather. Much of the advice that’s always given about grief applies here. Take things slowly. The process is not linear; you may feel great one day, and find your energy depleted the next. Reminders of your loved one can fill you with great joy, great sadness, sometimes both at the same time. Take time for yourself, and don’t be afraid to cancel plans and appointments when necessary.

Remember that your friends and family are a powerful resource. Even though you might not be able to meet up with them in person, you can still call or video chat with them. Generally, audible forms of communication are preferable to text chat; we tend to feel more connected this way. Your friends and family are there to support you. Let them know you want to talk.

We’re here for you, too. The Korban funeral home has virtual resources you can access during the pandemic. We can arrange for digital memorial services, including live streams and recordings. We can talk to you about your grief; we understand. Give us a call - we can direct you to a lot of other resources not listed here, too.

Processing grief is different for everyone, so don’t worry if none of the resources we’ve listed here fit your needs. We understand it can be difficult to put the effort into accessing resources - grief can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Be easy with yourself - remember that grief is not a permanent state, but a process that ebbs and flows over time.

(Courtesy of Korban Funeral Chapel)

 

Grief Support Resources

A list of local grief support organizations; available support for widowed, divorced and separated people; list of funeral homes in Manitoba; book recommendations and much more!

Grief support community ressources

Grief Support Organizations - click here.

Practical Matters - A guide for grief and bereavement

A guide developed by the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority to help people experiencing grief and loss after the death of a loved one.  Practical Matters

Center for Loss and Life Transition
A private organization dedicated to furthering our understanding of and compassion for the complex set of emotions we call grief. Dedicated to helping both the bereaved, by walking with them in their unique life journeys, and bereavement caregivers, by serving as their educational liaison and professional forum.

Crisis, Grief and Healing  A place where men and women can discuss, chat or browse to understand the many different paths to heal strong emotions. Resources on the site include excerpts from author Tom Golden’s books on healing from loss.

GriefNet is an Internet community of persons dealing with grief, death, and major loss. They have many email support groups. Their integrated approach to online grief support provides help to people working through loss and grief issues of all kinds.

Willowgreen   A leading provider of information and inspiration in the areas of illness and dying, loss and grief, healthy caregiving, life transition, and spirituality.

Grief and Loss   Grief support information and resources from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

Growth House  An international gateway to resources for life-threatening illness and end of life issues. Hypertext topic pages link to sites around the world. Links to hospice and home care, bereavement, death with dignity, AIDS, and related topics in life-threatening illness.

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization   
Committed to improving end of life care and expanding access to hospice care with the goal of profoundly enhancing quality of life for people dying in America and their loved ones.

Grief and Bereavement Document - click here.

Catholic Organizations and Resources - click here.

Community Grief Support - Prayers, Tips and Community Resources - click here.

Bereavement Support Programs - Community Resources - click here.

Beginning Experience Ministry for widowed, divorced and separated people - website

Canadian Grief Alliance