Around a year ago, I lost one of my closest friends. In the days, weeks and months since, I've been grappling with the complex pain of the loss. At times, I've also felt confused and frustrated by the limitations in the way we societally cope with grief - and how we support those grieving.
It's ironic to me that the experience can be so brutally isolating, even though it's something we'll all go through one day or another. If grief is universal, why can it be so lonely?
It's understandable that death and loss are uncomfortable for people. But this discomfort can leave grieving people feeling alone when they need comfort and community most. For example, I've noticed that a lot of the time, people have no idea what to say - so they avoid saying anything at all. I think this misunderstanding is a societal issue, and one that we can work together to address.
National Grief and Bereavement Day in Canada (Nov. 17) is an opportunity to open up the conversation. While this day may pass unknown to many, it's an important opportunity to reflect on how grief impacts others. It can encourage us to be more understanding and thoughtful when it comes to grief and bereavement.
The 2026 theme, "Shine a Light on Grief Support in Canada," is a call to action to bring greater visibility to the realities of grief and the importance of compassionate support. The theme recognizes that grief is a natural part of life and that everyone deserves access to understanding, connection, support and appropriate resources when navigating loss.
Bringing visibility to grief through education and dialogue is so important. In honour of National Grief and Bereavement Day, I have a few suggestions (based on my experience) for those who are grieving or for those who want to learn more. I acknowledge that I'm no expert, and that grief is profoundly complex and uniquely individual. These are just a few of the things that have been helpful for me.
Check out the resources available from the Centre for Loss and Life Transition and Dr. Alan Wolfelt's work. Dr. Wolfelt has published numerous books that are catered towards diverse groups, including grievers of many types of loss as well as for those who want to learn how to support others. I'm currently reading Understanding Your Grief, which I recommend.
There are wonderful collections of resources available from the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association and Grief Alliance Canada - especially if you're looking to learn more about how to support people who are grieving.
Try connecting with communities and groups on social media. There are many forums for grievers as well as content creators who talk openly about their grief journeys. This isn't for everyone, of course, but I have found it helpful to hear other people's stories.
Be vulnerable when you have the capacity. Talking about your grief, whether sharing it with a friend or family member, can be very hard. But it may also open up new opportunities to find comfort and support.
Attend a grief support group or community program. For example, I've recently attended grief support groups through the Pilgrims Hospice Society. They are a wonderful local organization with excellent resources and support.
Ultimately, everyone's experiences with grief are unique, and we'll never be able to take grief away. But I think we can work together to make navigating grief less lonely.
We can be more willing to be a listening ear, intentional about checking in and more open to difficult or uncomfortable emotions.
So, not just on National Grief and Bereavement Day but 365 days a year, let's work together to build a community and society that is more comfortable talking about grief. Let's be more confident in supporting grieving people and acknowledge the complexity of life and loss with grace, love and understanding.
You may also reach out to campus supports for those impacted by a loss:
