Grief is the deep sorrow and emotional suffering experienced after a significant loss.
Tips & Links
Grief is the emotional response to the loss of someone or something important, such as the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a major life change. It can also occur from the loss of health, an accident that affects mobility, or the loss of a planned future.
Learn More
- Learn about ways people of all ages are experiencing loss and grief from Healthlink BC.
- Explore ways to cope with grief and bereavement personally and to support others through the process from ementalhealth.ca.
- Know that you are entitled to a 3-day bereavement unpaid leave for the death of an immediate family member as per the Government of BC.
- Participate in mindfulness programs or yoga classes, offered by community centers or wellness clinics, to help manage stress and emotional pain.
- Take time for yourself and know that grief and bereavement is a process that can take up to a year or longer.
Find Support
- Consider contacting the trained volunteers at BC Bereavement Helpline – Toll free at 1-877-779-2223 or email them with your concerns.
- Learn about grief support for a variety of reasons from BC Bereavement Helpline.
- Call 8-1-1 for information and resources on grief support, mental health services, and counseling options available in BC.
- Seek support from clinical counsellors or therapists who specialize in grief and loss, available through Counselling BC. (Some offer a 15-minute consultation for free. In most cases, this type of counselling is fee for service).
- Check to see if your workplace offers Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) – free counselling services to employees and their families, including grief support.
- Connect with other families and friends for peer support after saying farewell to a loved one from the Maid Family Support Society.
- Learn how other families and family caregivers are coping with the loss of a loved one through Family-Caregivers of BC.
- Check if your workplace offers Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) including free counselling services to employees and their families, including grief support.
- Look for bereavement support from your cultural spiritual advisor, religious groups, or faith communities.
- Access hospice care services offering emotional and practical support for both patients and families dealing with end-of-life issues.