BUILDING A SUPPORT SYSTEM

Creating a support system to help with grief can be a meaningful part of the grieving process.

Grief can be incredibly isolating, so having a system that provides comfort, understanding, and resources can be truly beneficial.

Consider what type of grief support you are looking for. Would you like the support to be

emotional, practical, or a bit of both? Emotional support can provide space to explore the

emotional changes that come with grief. Practical support can help you to continue to navigate the roles and responsibilities of life despite what point of grieving you are at. Many people benefit from both types of support at one point or another.

Think about how it feels to connect with family and friends about your grieving process. For

some people, they find it easy to connect with their family members or friends because they

may have also known the loved one who has died. For other people, they find that their grief is too intertwined with family members or friends. It can be helpful to be honest and to check in on your ability to support one another in your seasons of grief.

Reflect on whether you prefer support to be in person, over text/phone, or in an online

connection. One of the benefits of technology can be the ability to connect with larger

communities of people who may have similar shared experiences. Support groups may occur in person or virtually, so it can be helpful to explore what your community is able to offer and how you can connect with outside communities to bridge any gaps in services.

Explore social media connections and online communities to expand your support system.

Many grief-focused pages on Instagram and Facebook offer daily support, quotes, and

community spaces for individuals who are grieving. These can be especially helpful for people who feel isolated and need a sense of connection with others experiencing grief.

Seek out professional counselling as an additional part of your support system. Grief is a deeply personal experience. Professional counselling can provide a space for healing, help individuals understand and manage their emotions, and offer support during a difficult time.

Expand your support system into religious, spiritual, and/or cultural aspects of your life. For

those with religious or spiritual beliefs, engaging in spiritual practices (prayer, meditation, rituals) can be an important part of the healing process. Many faith communities provide support groups or individual counseling to help process grief within a spiritual context. Many cultures have specific grief rituals, such as memorial services, ceremonies, or communal mourning periods, which can provide comfort and a sense of belonging. Engaging in these practices can help individuals feel supported by their community.

The best support system for grief will vary depending on the individual’s needs and preferences. It is often a combination of different resources that work best.

Submitted by: Walking Through Grief Society

Funded by FCSS, City of Lloydminster, Towns of Vermilion and Wainwright, Village of Kitscoty, and County of Vermilion River.