CANADA π¨π¦
General Grief Support
AboutGrief.ca
A national Canadian grief resource offering articles, videos, coping tools, and educational materials.
Website:
https://aboutgrief.ca
MyGrief.ca
Free online grief education developed with Canadian grief professionals.
Website:
https://mygrief.ca
Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association
Provides grief and bereavement resources and links to support services across Canada.
Website:
https://www.chpca.ca
Peer Support
Bereaved Families of Ontario
Peer-led grief support groups, educational resources, and bereavement programs.
Website:
https://bereavedfamilies.net
Healing Hearts Canada
Offers free grief support groups, including virtual programs.
Website:
https://www.healingheartscanada.org
Child and Family Loss
The Compassionate Friends Canada
Support for parents, siblings, and grandparents after the death of a child.
Website:
https://tcfcanada.net
Crisis Support
988 Suicide Crisis Helpline
Call or text:
988
Available 24 hours a day.
Website:
https://988.ca
UNITED STATES πΊπΈ
General Grief Support
GriefShare
One of the largest grief support networks in North America.
Offers local and online support groups.
Website:
https://www.griefshare.org
Evermore
Provides a comprehensive directory of grief resources and support organizations.
Website:
https://evermore.org
Child and Family Loss
The Compassionate Friends
Support for families grieving the death of a child, sibling, or grandchild.
Website:
https://www.compassionatefriends.org
Mental Health and Crisis Support
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text:
988
Website:
https://988lifeline.org
Specialized Types of Grief
Pet Loss
Pet loss can be profoundly painful. The death of a beloved companion animal may affect daily routines, identity, family dynamics, and emotional wellbeing. Research suggests that pet loss griefΒ is every bit as intense as grief following the death of a human family member.
Consider:
- Pet loss support groups
- Veterinary social workers
- Pet bereavement hotlines
- Grief counselors familiar with companion animal loss
You are not grieving “just a pet.” You are grieving a best friend.
Sudden or Traumatic Loss
Traumatic loss may involve:
- Accidents
- Violence
- Unexpected medical events
Professional counseling and trauma-informed support can be especially beneficial.
Helping a Grieving Child
Children grieve differently than adults.
You may notice:
- Repeated questions
- Play-based processing
- Behavioral changes
- Anxiety
- Temporary regressions
Experts generally recommend using clear, honest language about death. Children benefit from truthful explanations, opportunities to ask questions, and inclusion in age-appropriate remembrance activities.
Caring for Yourself While Grieving
Grief can affect every part of life.
Self-care is important, make sure you:
β Drink water regularly
β Eat when you can
β Accept help when offered
β Rest without guilt
β Spend time outdoors
β Maintain gentle routines
β Connect with supportive people
β Seek professional support if needed
You Are Not Grieving Wrong
There is no wrong way to grieve. It’s ok if you feel:
- Numb
- Angry
- Relieved
- Guilty
- Lost
- Hopeful
- Confused
You may feel all of these in the same day, perhaps in the same hour. There is no correct way to miss someone. There is no timeline, no straight path to healing. And there is no right way to carry grief or hold on to that love.
From Hearts & Halos
Grief can feel incredibly lonely, but you don’t have to carry it alone.
Whether your loss happened yesterday or years ago, support is available, and healing doesn’t require forgetting. Love doesn’t end when a life ends. It changes shape, and lives on in your memories, stories, and connection. β€οΈ
Disclaimer: This resource is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, psychological, or emergency care. If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or are in immediate danger, contact emergency services or a crisis line immediately.