Grief is something that takes time to work through. While everyone finds their own way to grieve it’s important to have the support of friends and family or someone else, and to talk about your loss when you need to.

• Don't be afraid to ask for help.
• Talk to friends and family (or safe others) about how you are feeling, or consider joining a support group.
• Take care of your physical health.  Grieving can exhaust us of our resources therefore it's important to adhere, as much as possible, to a healthy lifestyle habits.
• Manage stress, or 'take a break'.
• Do the things you enjoy, EVEN if you don't really feel like doing them.
• Provide self-compassion.  Take the time to heal in private, while also making the effort to stay socially connected.

Supporting those experiencing grief

Many people do not know what to say or do when trying to comfort someone who is grieving. However, often it is the simple offer of love and support that is the most important. Ask how they’re feeling. Each day can be different fo

• Ask how they’re feeling. Each day can be different for someone who is grieving; take the time to listen and understand what they are going through.
• Talk about everyday life too. Their loss and grief does not have to be the focus of all your conversations.
• Ask them how you can help. A few home cooked meals, doing the shopping, or perhaps offering to go walking or do something enjoyable with them can all help someone through their grief.
• Encourage them to seek professional support if their grief does not seem to be easing over time.

When does grief become complex?

Grief and depression are quite different but they can appear similar as they can both lead to feelings of intense sadness, insomnia, poor appetite and weight loss. Depression stands out from grief as being more persistent, with constant feelings of emptiness and despair and a difficulty feeling pleasure or joy.
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If you notice that depression symptoms continue, or your grief begins to get in the way of how you live, work, share relationships or live day-to-day, then it’s important to get support or professional help.