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I Am a Griever or Bereaved

Have you or someone you know experienced a loss? Perhaps you have noticed that they are less social than they once were, or maybe even not participating in "normal" day-to-day activities, such as going to work, eating, showering, or doing the activities that used to bring them joy.  It is possible that you or this individual may be grieving the loss of someone, something, or both.

Grief and bereavement can manifest in a variety of ways.  You may not experience them exactly as we have described above, but as a griever you feel different, and someone around you may notice things seem different from time to time.

It has been demonstrated that, even with these indicators, children and men tend to grieve differently, so it is important to be open to dialogue and make space for the process and journey of grief when we are living with grief or around someone who is grieving. You don't have to feel alone, hospice societies are here to help!


Understanding Grief and Bereavement

What is grief?

It is a strong emotion that is often overwhelming for those who have suffered the loss of a loved one, been diagnosed with a chronic or terminal illness, been disabled, or suffered a significant loss.

When someone experiences grief, different feelings are experienced, such as sadness, anger, helplessness, frustration, which can have significant psychological impact if not handled appropriately.

What are the stages of grief?

Denial

This is the most common stage that people go through when they are unable to accept the loss of a loved one, a chronic or terminal illness, and this is a temporary coping mechanism for coping with the reality of assimilating the loss.

Anger

This is a way to express anger, impotence, and frustration for not being able to change the outcome of a loss. This stage usually occurs after denial.

Negotiation

In this phase, we begin to look for possible solutions to try to change the result of the loss

Depression

Depression is an emotional disorder that causes a constant feeling of sadness and a loss of interest in carrying out different personal, social and family activities. In order to receive professional assistance and overcome this disorder, it is necessary to identify it.

Acceptance

In this state you are able to understand the loss and calm arrives. This is the emotional understanding that losses are inevitable, and that it is possible to continue living with them.

What is bereavement?

Grief and mourning happen during a period of time called bereavement. Bereavement refers to the time when a person experiences sadness after losing a loved one or someone they know. It is associated with a loss of life.

Needing more information?

Below you will find some coping and support strategies along with additional resources in supporting someone who is grieving or to help inform you on this journey.

Coping with Grief                           Helping Children with Grief                       Helping Older Adults with Grief

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About the association

BCHPCA represents its members: individuals and organizations that deliver hospice/palliative care and bereavement services and programs across British Columbia and the Yukon Territory.

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Email: office@bchpca.org
Main Line: (604) 267-7024
Toll Free: 1-(877) 410-6297

Unit 1100- 1200 West 73rd Ave,
Vancouver, BC, V6P 6G5

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The BC Hospice Palliative Care Association (BCHPCA) recognizes the traditional land of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples who have walked before us and minded the lands we now call home for time immemorial. Hospice Societies have been able to support, aid and care for many people on these same lands.

The BCHPCA Offices are located on the ancestral, traditional, and unceded lands of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and TsleilWaututh Nations.


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