By Dr. Jerry Simon
June 7, 2026 | Health
Grief arrives in many shapes and at its own pace. It can feel like a heavy fog one day and a sudden sharp ache the next. This article offers gentle guidance to help you move through grief with compassion, practical steps, and small ways to honour what you have lost.
Understanding Grief
Grief is a natural response to the loss of a person, a relationship, a job, a pet, or even a way of life. There is no single “right” timeline. It is generally accompanied by waves of emotion and moments of numbness, and at times ordinary tasks can feel overwhelming.
Sleep may be disrupted, appetite for food may increase or decrease, and activity schedules may change. Recognizing that these reactions are normal is the first step toward healing.
It is also important to draw strength from our common human experience—everyone, at some point in life, has lost or will lose something or someone close and very important to them.
So how do we cope?
Allow Feelings
Give yourself permission to feel sadness, anger, or confusion without judgment. Give yourself the time to mourn by taking some time away from work or other commitments you normally have.
Create Small Routines
Simple daily rituals—making tea, taking a short walk, journaling, spending a devotional moment, or praying—can bring structure and calm.
Reach Out
Share memories with trusted friends or family. Talking can lighten the load. It is okay to laugh, just as it is okay to cry. Remembering a moment about your deceased loved one, even in a humorous way, can be therapeutic.
Seek Professional Support
Therapists, grief counsellors, and support groups offer tools and a safe space to process grief. Seeking professional help is not an admission of weakness; it is a practical step toward healing.
Honour the Loss
Light a candle, plant a fruit tree or ornamental plant, or create a memory box to keep a connection alive. Give yourself specific guidelines or participate in group activities to prevent becoming consumed by your loss.
Practical Self-Help
Sleep, nutrition, and gentle movement matter more than you might expect. When energy is low, prioritize rest, exercise, hydration, and small nourishing meals.
Limit major decisions in the early weeks if possible.
Be patient with setbacks; healing is non-linear.
When to Get Extra Help
If grief leads to prolonged isolation, persistent hopelessness, or thoughts of harming yourself, seek immediate professional help. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.
It is also important to maintain connection with family and friends, as they may be able to more readily identify when you need help.
Closing Thought
Grief reshapes us, but it does not erase the love or meaning behind what was lost. Over time, the sharpness softens and memories can bring warmth alongside the ache.
Be kind to yourself—one small step at a time is progress.
Dr. Simon can be contacted at the NSA Medical Centre at:
📞 (268) 779-2176
📞 (268) 462-6314