Grief when no one has died? Yes! Grief is a response that makes its way into our lives following (and even before) many changes, transitions and losses that are not death related. I have listed many types (but definitely not all) of loss below, but what you should know is that grief does not discriminate.

It can be awkward, I feel that way too (and I am a grief counsellor!)! Sometimes it’s quick as there’s a big line and you’re rushing through, sometimes there is no line, and sometimes the people in front of you have a lot to say so you keep being stalled and waiting long after you feel you’ve said your part. 

One of the biggest questions or concerns I hear as an Ontario counsellor focusing on grieving is, “Is this normal?”. Well, there is no normal, there is no one way, your way will look different than others and thank goodness. We aren’t robots. Our relationships are different, our supports, coping skills and resources, are all different too. 

There are lots of ideas out there, don’t limit your brainstorm to this list. These are a few ideas that people have appreciated. Along with casseroles of course! Those are still a favourite.

I know what you’re hoping for. A phrase? A quote? Something that is going to make the grief go away. Hey! As I Grief Counsellor I wish for the same. The reality is there are helpful things you can say and things you might steer away from but nothing is going to land you in a spot of taking the grief away. Don’t let this stop you from supporting a person though, moving forward with grief is tough and knowing others are there for support might ease some of that pain.

Create or attend Rituals: Rituals are an opportunity for those who are grieving to outwardly express grief, alone or with others who are experiencing the same loss. A ritual helps to acknowledge the reality of the death, to express grief and to share an opportunity of remembering the individual who has died. Though in Western society we are often expected to have a funeral shortly after the death, this is only one kind of ritual and many people choose other rituals, shortly a