Resources about grief
When someone you love becomes a memory…that memory becomes a treasure.”-Unknown
As we proceed through any time of loss, it is important to acknowledge our feelings and needs. We all grieve differently; there is no right way. Be kind to yourself and the one’s around you and reach out for support from staff, friends and family when needed. Please check out the below resources for further support during this difficult time.
Some key things to consider when talking about death:
- Use factual, clear language such as “death” and “dead” and avoid euphemisms such as “gone on a long trip” or “went to sleep)
- Be honest. Don’t tell lies or half truths
- Listen and validate the student’s feelings and experiences
- You don’t have to fix anything – just listen
- Reflect back what you are hearing. Avoid statements like “I know how you feel”. Don’t talk them out of their feelings. Avoid judgements
- Identify who any other support adults are in their lives and reach out to them as needed
- Provide suggestions for activities that may allow for alternative expressions of grief
Some activities that you can do to help with grief:
- Try and involve youth in generating ideas for expression of grief but be prepared to make limits
- Provide opportunities to draw or write about memories
- Write letters of support to the family
- Choose appropriate stories for reading to younger students
Remember to reach out for supports and look out for yourself and others.
Students can always go to Guidance or the C-DUB HUB to check in with one of our school mental health professionals. For more immediate support or if you are in crisis please reach out to Here247 at
Other resources:
- Kids Help Phone 1- 800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
- Here24-7 at 1-844-437-3247
- Contact the BeeHive https://www.thebhivecw.com/
- Family Counselling and Support Services Guelph Wellington 519-824-2431 (includes walk in hours)
- Talking about Suicide with Youth (PDF)
- School Mental Health Ontario https://smho-smso.ca/blog/online-resources/suicide-prevention-guide-for-parents-and-families-during-covid-19-and-return-to-school/