Grieving in isolation was already a trending topic due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, but since the tragedy in Nova Scotia it's becoming part of a wider conversation. Not only are these families dealing with personal grief, but the entire community, province and country. Under normal circumstances, there would be…
If you in self-isolation or practicing social distancing, you might be feeling lonely and a bit sad or depressed. This is normal. Many people in our community are scared for their loved ones, particularly seniors either living alone or in long-term care facilities. You cannot visit them, and you fear…
Have you ever heard of an end-of-life doula? While most people recognize the term doula as related to birth and babies, there are now doulas specializing in death and dying. For those who have received the unfortunate news that they have a terminal illness or that their health is declining,…
Writing an obituary can be a painful, yet cathartic experience. It's an opportunity to celebrate a life while also informing friends and neighbours of a loved ones passing. They also provide details on how you can honour the dead - by attending a visitation and funeral or by sending flowers…
If you're having a tough time after a death, but are intimidated by traditional therapy, consider trying some grief counseling apps and web platforms to break the ice. There's no shame in grieving, especially if a close family member or friend passed away. Everyone copes in different ways. And while…
Victoria Day is a Canadian holiday celebrating Queen Victoria's birthday, which was May 24, 1819. And while the holiday celebrates the life of our second longest reigning monarch (Queen Elizabeth II surpassed her), one of the most often told stories about Queen Victoria is about how she mourned her beloved…
While death is sad at any age. When we care about someone, the loss is felt regardless of how old they were. That said, many of us have an easier time accepting the death of an elderly family member, as these deaths are sometimes followed by feelings of relief. "I'm…
With Hanukkah starting soon and Christmas less than a month away, you are probably expected to share in the merriment. But if you're grieving the loss of a loved one, you're problem not feeling very joyful. It can be difficult to know how to grieve over the holidays, when everyone…
Even though it's one of the most human things in the world, many of us are still very uncomfortable talking about death and dying. Even though it is inevitable, most of us are hush-hush about it. Some people are trying to change this. That is where the death cafe comes…
While there is no guide book for handling grief, a recent article in The New York Times (Oct 12, 2018) attempts to shed some light on the subject. The piece, titled "A Handbook for Grieving" by Caroline M. Grant, deals with the months, week and days leading up to the death…
