St. Albert & Sturgeon Primary Care Network

Grief

Grief is a natural response to loss. While loss through death of a loved one is the most recognized source of grief, losses related to divorce, job change, role change, and moving can also create grief. Most people are unprepared for the powerful effects that grieving has on them.

Common experiences with grief include:

  • problems with concentrating
  • poor sleep
  • poor appetite
  • tiredness
  • nervousness
  • sadness
  • anger
  • loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities

While there are common experiences, there is no “normal” pattern of grieving. Each person grieves in their own way and at their own pace. Because of this, there is no one way to help with grief, instead there are many options for support available for the grieving person.

Helpful tips:

  • Be kind to yourself and be aware of the impact grief has on you - adjust your workload and give yourself time to grieve.
  • Seek support from sources that comfort you and give your strength - people, books, prayer, activities, music…
  • Families can help each other by recognizing the different ways people grieve instead of comparing each other’s grief.
  • Don’t underestimate the physical effects of grief - ensure you are eating well and resting.

Warning signs of complicated grief:

  • sadness or anxiety remains constantly present each day for more than 3 months
  • unable to deal with everyday tasks
  • suicidal thoughts
  • daily or binge use of alcohol or drugs
  • ongoing experiences of hearing voices
  • ongoing panic attacks
  • significant weight loss

If you experience any of these symptoms it is recommended that you contact your doctor and seek mental health treatment for depression.

Local Grief Support Groups

  • St. Albert Bereavement Fellowship(780) 459-3135
    • Provides bereavement support and education for anyone grieving a loss
    • Meets every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 7:30 pm
    • St. Albert Seniors Centre - 7 Tache St.
  • Compassionate Friends of St. Albert(780) 451-5381
    • For parents grieving the loss of child at any age
    • Offers lending library of self-help books for grieving parents
    • Meets the 1st Thursday of each month at 7:30 pm
    • St. Albert Soccer Club - 61 Riel Dr.

Edmonton Grief Support Groups

  • Pilgrim’s Hospice - 9808 - 148 St.(780) 413-9801
    • Adult Bereavement Program
      • 10 week group focused on grief issues
      • Offered 3 times/year - Tuesday evenings 6:30 - 9:00 pm
      • Approximately $80
    • Men’s Grieving Support group - Spouseless House
      • Support group specifically targeting men who have lost spouses
  • Edmonton Bereavement Centre - 202-10339 - 124 St.(780) 454-1231
    • Offers a variety of programs for people coping with death and dying
    • Group programs
    • Resource library
    • Sliding scale fees
  • Catholic Social Services - The Journey of Grief(780) 420-6081
    • 10 week group program to help people cope with grief and loss from death, divorce or other losses
    • Approximately $250 – limited subsidies available
  • Support Network Suicide Bereavement Program(780) 482-0198
    • 10 week group counselling for people grieving the loss of someone to suicide
  • Alberta Cancer Board(780) 432-8703
    • Support groups for people who have lost a loved one to cancer
  • Parent Care Society of Alberta - 8770 - 165 St.(780) 988-3747
    • Support group for loss from tubal pregnancy, miscarriage, still birth or neonatal death
    • Meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7:30 pm
  • SIDS Support group, Alberta Lung Association - 3rd Floor Aberhart Building; 11402 University Ave.1 (800) 363-7437
    • Meets the 1st Tuesday of each month (except July and August) at 7:00 pm

Other Resources for Grief Support

  • Distress Line - 24 hour support(780) 482-4357
  • Online support
  • Helpful Books Available
    • The Grief Recovery Handbook by John James & Russell Friedman
    • Good Grief by Granger Westburg
    • When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold S Kushner
  • Books for Children
    • The Fall of Freddie the Leaf by Leo Buscaglia
    • The Next Place by Warren Hanson
    • What is Heaven? by Maria Shriver

Individual Grief Counselling

A variety of local therapists offer grief counselling…

  • Psychologist Association of Alberta(780) 428-TALK (8255)
    • Offers free referral service
  • Alberta College of Social Workers(780) 421-1167
    • Can provide list of clinical social workers in your area
  • Employee Assistance Programs
    • Your employee benefits package may cover grief counselling
  • Local churches and ministers
    • Often provide pastoral care over grief issues

Edmonton Counselling Agencies

  • Jewish Family Services - 202-10339 - 124 St.(780) 454-1194
    • Individual grief counselling
    • Sliding scale available
  • Cornerstone Counselling - 11111-Jasper Ave. (8R)(780) 482-6215
    • Grief counselling for adults and children with sensitivity to faith issues
    • Sliding scale fees (range approximately $65- $125/session)
  • Pastoral Counselling Group - 1111 Jasper Ave. (6R)(780) 482-8998
    • Individual and family counselling available for grief and loss issues
    • Certified pastoral counsellors
    • Sliding scale fees

Primary health care is the first point of contact with the health care system, where people receive care from family physicians, and from nurses, pharmacists, therapists and others for most of their everyday health care needs.