Grief is something we all encounter at different points in our lives. It’s inevitable and is a part of being human. We may grieve the loss of a loved one or a pet, the life we hoped for but didn’t unfold as imagined, or the impact of a health diagnosis. Grief can also emerge through transitions like a child leaving home for college or work, the end of a relationship, the loss of a job, or a shift in career. It shows up in many forms, often quietly, and often in ways we don’t expect.

What do we need to know about grief?

Grief isn’t a checklist. It is a journey, and our needs and emotions weave in and out over time. It can surface at any moment, often without warning. Even years after a loss, emotions may linger, and the smallest reminder can bring grief forward unexpectedly. Different emotions appear at different times. Pain may shift into anger, numbness, loneliness, or even moments of warmth. These experiences are natural and do not mean you are doing grief wrong.

There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and no point at which the process is complete. Each emotion is true and valid in its own way. Healing looks different for each person, shaped by their relationships, circumstances, and support. For some, grief softens gradually, while for others it remains a steady companion. What matters most is allowing space for the experience to unfold in its own time.

How can I help myself in times of grief?

Begin by allowing the full range of emotions that may arise, such as sadness, anger, joy, or numbness, without judgment or the need to rush through them. Move at your own pace, honouring your experience and letting go of expectations around timelines, stages, or what grief should or should not look like. Practice self compassion and patience, recognizing that grief is a natural human response and that it will shift and change over time. Some days may feel heavier than others, and that is part of the process. Seek connection and support through friends, family, community spaces, support groups, or professionals when you need it. You don’t have to do this alone, and you don’t have to hold everything inside. Creating moments of rest, routine, or gentle care can also help ground you when grief feels overwhelming. Find ways to express your grief outwardly through writing, journaling, art, or other meaningful forms of reflection, allowing your inner experience to be acknowledged and held.

How can I help someone who is grieving?

Just show up. Your presence matters more than having the right words. Grief does not need to be fixed or explained, and there is no perfect thing to say that will take the pain away. Simply being there, listening, and sitting alongside someone in their grief can offer more comfort than advice or reassurance. Your willingness to stay, even in silence or awkwardness, communicates care, safety, and support when it is needed most. Listen without trying to fix or rush the grief. Allow space for tears, silence, and whatever emotions arise. Avoid minimizing the experience by encouraging someone to move on, get over it, or by comparing your own loss to theirs. Simply holding space with patience and respect can be deeply supportive. Offering practical, gentle support such as checking in, sitting with them, or small acts of care, while respecting their boundaries, can help them feel seen, supported, and less alone during a difficult time.

A deeply human experience.

Grief looks different for everyone and can change over time, and there is no right way to experience it. It is a fundamentally human process that does not cancel out moments of meaning, connection, or growth. We can feel profound sadness and still laugh, feel a sense of purpose, and notice moments of joy and connection. These experiences can exist side by side, each honouring the depth and complexity of grief. Compassion for ourselves and for others is central to healing, allowing grief to be met with care rather than judgment. Grief is valid and natural, even when it feels confusing, messy, or overwhelming. It may arrive in waves, resurface unexpectedly, or soften and intensify at different times. All of this is part of how grief lives with us. If it ever feels too heavy or isolating, it is okay to reach out for support. You do not have to go through this alone.

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