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Resources to Support Others

The following resources address the needs of family members/friends and healthcare/front line workers who are supporting others through grief during and/or related to COVID-19.

Resource Listing

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“Get Over It…???”

Discusses why people often jump to telling us to "get over" grief and why this is not helpful.

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#GriefLiteracy: Join the Movement

Video about Grief Literacy, which refers to a person's knowledge about and ability to respond to grief. Speakers advocate for increasing grief literacy. | 01:36:00

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‘I Have to Live with the Tragedy’: Memorials Remembering 215 Indigenous Children Found Buried at Residential School

Discussions of memorials commemorating the 215 Indigenous children found at a residential school.

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‘It is Bleak’: How the Pandemic Economy has Affected LGBTQ People

Information about how the LGBTQ community is being disproportionately financially affected by the pandemic.

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10 Tips for Loving Someone in an Overrun ICU During COVID

This empathetic advice from someone who has been there covers way to support your loved one while they are in the ICU during lockdown.

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10 Ways You Can Support Someone Grieving During The Coronavirus Crisis

List of ways to support those close to you experiencing grief including validating their feelings and reaching out regularly.

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5 Ways to Help Seniors Cope With Grief and Loss

Tips for helping seniors cope with loss. *Not COVID specific

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5 Ways to Help Seniors Deal with the Loss of a Spouse

Recommendations include remembering that grief takes place over time and recognizing triggers. *Not COVID-specific

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6 Ways to Help Loved Ones Grieving Deaths During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Description of 6 ways to support loved ones through grief such as plan a funeral, share happy memories, and avoid burdensome requests.

6 Ways to Help Loved Ones Grieving Deaths During the Coronavirus Pandemic

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A Hidden Pandemic of COVID-19

Article explores the approaches of psychologists in supporting children who have lost caregivers to coronavirus

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A Hidden Pandemic: Grief in the African American Community

Video and article investigating how the black community is more severely affected by COVID. | 00:05:10

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A Phone-Based Early Psychological Intervention for Supporting Bereaved Families in the Time of COVID-19

Description of phone- based psychology intervention with bereaved families at an Italian hospital. Article also discusses strengths, weakensses, and challenges of their approach and makes suggestions for clinicians developing/implementing similar approaches.

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A Time to Mourn: Grieving Differently During the Pandemic

Discusses the tensions families are feeling in lockdown and how to support children through grief.

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Addressing Grief

Brief facts and tips about how children of different ages respond to grief.

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Addressing Grief and Loss as a Teacher

Article covers some basics of what educators need to know to support students who are grieving.

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Addressing the Cultural, Spiritual and Religious Perspectives of Palliative Care

A an article outlining Living My Culture, an online resource available to support people grieving in their own language and culture. Describes how frontline workers can use this resource. *Not COVID specific

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ADEC in Conversation: Mindfulness in Uncertain Times

Grief experts discuss how healthcare providers and frontline workers can practice mindfulness with their patients/clients to cope with coronavirus uncertainty. | 00:45:23

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All the Things We Have to Mourn Now

Six experts explain how to recognize the many new faces of grief during a pandemic, with information on the connection between immigration and grief.

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As Covid Deaths Rise, Lingering Grief Gets a New Name

Discussion of the addition of Prolonged Grief Disorder to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), which outlines all mental disorders

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As COVID-19 Restrictions Lift, Grief Literacy can Help Us Support Those Around Us

Article discussing the "tsunami of grief" and how grief literacy can help us support one another.

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Back To School With Grief & The COVID-19 Pandemic – A Tip Sheet

Podcast episode outlining the Dougy Centre's tip sheet for going back to school during COVID-19. | 00:17:00

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Battling Somalia’s Epidemic, a Grieving British Doctor Finds Peace

Narrative of a doctor trying to support others through COVID-19 while struggling with the loss of her own father.

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Being There: What to Say and Do in the Aftermath of Loss

Advice on how to support those close to us when they experience grief such as sticking around past the initial wave of support.

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Bereavement Care in the Wake of COVID-19: Offering Condolences and Referrals

Article offers suggestions for clinicians in working with bereaved families. It focuses on the importance of using compassionate communication, how to assess risk, and when to refer.

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Bereavement In The Lives Of People With Intellectual Disabilities

When someone with an intellectual disability loses a parent through death, this is not just the loss of someone they loved, but also the loss of someone who is likely to be the most familiar with their needs, their likes and dislikes, and with whom they shared a trusting relationship.

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Bereavement in the Time of Coronavirus: Unprecedented Challenges Demand Novel Interventions

Discusses how COVID enhances tragedy. Calls for National efforts to minimize grief impact by investing in virtual funeral services and phone programs for elderly bereaved to seek support. Info may be relevant to healthcare providers and frontline workers.

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Bereavement in Times of COVID-19: A Review and Theoretical Framework

Literature review of 44 articles addressing bereavement and COVID-19. Article also demonstrates application of the Dual Process Model to bereavement care.

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Bereavement Support on the Frontline of COVID-19: Recommendations for Hospital Clinicians

Article discussing elements of covid that lead to higher risk of complex grief and how professionals can try to mitigate these factors.

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Big Emotions In Grief – Jenny Delacruz, LPC

Interview with Jenny Delacruz, LPC, about how families (children and adults) can cope with the overwhelming emotions caused by grief. | 00:25:50

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Black Americans Experiencing Collective Trauma, Grief

Exploration of collective grief and fear in the black community as a result of police violence. *Not COVID specific

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Black Grief: When Life is More than a Movement

Blog post about how grief is stronger when a person is taken before their time, such as in police shootings.

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Books for Grieving Children

Book suggestions for grieving children based on child age and relationship to the deceased. Books must be purchased. *Not COVID specific

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Building Resilience in Children During a Pandemic

Webinar about how to support your child in developing resilience and moving through grief. | 00:44:42

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California’s Latinos Grapple With COVID, And Extraordinary Grief

Article and podcast outlining the unique challenges of the California Latino community in processing grief. | 00:04:07

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Case Study: Using Art Therapy for a Client Who is Grieving

This article discusses how art can be healing and gives a list of suggested art therapy exercises for adults.

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Children & Funerals in a Global Pandemic

Video module on how to make funerals meaningful for children during COVID. | 00:57:26

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Clinical Considerations Around Perinatal Loss

This video podcast outlines the unique challenges of those experiencing perinatal loss during Covid-19 and considerations for healthcare providers. | 00:37:58

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Commemoration and Memorialization

Specific guidance is provided to educators on spontaneous memorials and the role of social media. It stresses the importance of involving students in memorial activities.

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Common LGBT Grief Issues Following the Death of a Partner or Spouse

Fact sheet of the ways grief can be complex for LGBT individuals who have lost a partner. *Not COVID specific

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Complicated Grief Following a Death in the ICU: New Challenges in the COVID-19 Era

This educational webinar for healthcare providers addressing the definition of complex grief and the challenges of being unable to visit loved ones. | 00:57:40

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Concepts of Death

This article provides educators information on how to discuss death with young students.

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Connecting With Families

Outlines how educators can facilitate communication with families of bereaved students.

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Considering Grief in Mental Health Outcomes of COVID-19

Article connects Covid-19 to types of grief such as complicated and anticipatory.

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Coordinating Services & Supporting Transitions

Module addressing how educators should remain in contact with grieving students' families and tips on how to properly make and maintain this contact.

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Coordinating Services & Supporting Transitions

This module addresses coordination of communication and services among all adults supporting a grieving student and how to ensure this coordination continues when children transition to a new grade or school.

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Coping with COVID-19 – Immigrants, Refugees and Their Families

Articles covering topics such as what to do when grieving and how to get help.

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Coping with the Fear of COVID 19 Infection: The C.H.I.L.D. Model for Dealing with Fears, Grief and Trauma

Overview of the C.H.I.L.D model of supporting children through grief.

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Cora and the Corona

A story for children about moving through the stress of quarantine.

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Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Assistance au Deuil et au Traumatisme pour les Personnes Touchées par le COVID-19 dans le Secteur des Soins aux Personnes Âgées (Aged Care Grief and Trauma Support)

This fact sheet, in French, provides useful information about grief and trauma support services for those impacted by COVID-19 in the aged care sector.

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Coronavirus Is Changing The Rituals Of Death For Many Religions

Descriptions of how the death rituals of many religions cannot be performed during coronavirus and how people are overcoming this.

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COVID-19 and Artful Grief

This video podcast episode discusses art therapy for grief, why it is important and how how practitioners are practicing it virtually. | 01:00:52

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COVID-19 and Bereavement: Here’s How Employers Can Help

Tips for employers on supporting employees experiencing grief including having clear bereavement leave policies and checking in on their wellbeing.

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COVID-19 and Complicated Grief

Conversation with Dr. Katherine Shear about how coronavirus is producing complex grief. | 00:39:45

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COVID-19 and Disenfranchised Grief

Connection of grief to feelings of disenfranchisement. Article then makes suggestions for clinical practice.

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COVID-19 and Grief : A Chaplain’s Reflection on the Experience of Supporting Bereaved Parents and Widows in Lockdown

Reflections of a chaplain supporting youth through grief during COVID-19.

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COVID-19 and Indigenous Health and Wellness: Our Strength is in our Stories

Booklet investigating the use of Indigenous storytelling for healing. Addresses general wellness, including grief.

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COVID-19 and the Importance of Grief Leadership

Experts discuss the concept of "grief leadership" and the importance of grief leaders in global crisis. | 01:05:14

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Covid-19 Pandemic Resources

Resources from the LA children's hospital for educators, including scripts for what to say on the first day back and tips for creating a supportive environment.

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COVID-19 Toolkit

Includes downloadable links for resource booklets on palliative care with Covid-19 patients, Indigenous people, and others.

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COVID-19: Best Practices in Grief and Bereavement Tele-therapy

Thid video podcast episode covers the best practices for frontline workers providing tele-therapy. | 01:06:49

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COVID-19: Equity-Informed Palliative Care & Social Disadvantage Infographic

Provides considerations for healthcare providers about the increased risks for socially-disadvantaged groups and processes for working with this population.

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COVID-19: Grief, Loss of the Assumptive World and Meaning-Making

Conversation with a grief researcher about our assumptions about life and death and how we can find meaning in loss. | 00:50:54

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COVID-19: Losses Facing Children and Adolescents, Delivery of Services & Coping

Video podcast episode with grief experts discussing considerations for grief service delivery with youth. | 01:27:35

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Covid’s Cruellest Blow? Keeping the Dying from Their Loved Ones

Reflections from a palliative care physician including observations of grieving families whose loved ones died from COVID-19.

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Cultural Sensitivity

Explains how educators can navigate cultural differences in grieving practices while talking to students.

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Death and Dying: Elderly Persons’ Experiences of Grief Over the Loss of Family Members

Descriptive study about the experiences of seniors grieving a loved one. Results show understandings of grief largely shaped by religion.

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Death and Dying: How Indigenous Communities Grieve, Survive and Thrive Social Sharing

Podcast explores grief, death and dying in Indigenous communities, the circumstances that lead to the heavy losses they experience and how people are prioritizing the need for promotion of vibrant Indigenous life. | 00:42:00

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Death and Grieving in a Changing Landscape : Facing the Death of a Loved One and Experiencing Grief during COVID-19

Insight into the experiences of a palliative care chaplain and the challenges faced by those grieving from COVID-19.

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Death and School Crisis

This module covers how educators can prepare for the potential deaths of members of their school's community.

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Death, Grief and Funerals in the COVID Age

Advice for helping people develop new rituals to honour those who die during the COVID-19 era.

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Defining Your Family Grief Values: Finding True North in a Chaotic World

Supports youth in defining their "grief values" and using these to manage grief. | 01:01:25

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Determinants of Loneliness Among Older Adults in Canada

Academic article exploring the negative outcomes of loneliness among older adults in Canada.

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Do This Not That: How to Help a Grieving Friend

Infographic depicting suggestions for things to do and not do when supporting someone through grief.

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Dr. Jay Children’s Grief Centre

Videos with guided activities for children to work through grief. Activities are mostly art-centred and various wellness challenges.

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Dream Builder Worksheet

This worksheet helps people work through the meanings of their dreams in relation to COVID grief.

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Dying in the Face of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Contextual Considerations and Clinical Recommendations

Overview of unique considerations of Covid grief and how to support others in building resilience.

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Elderly Face Grief and Loss Differently Than Do Others

Article about how the psychological context of grief is different for the elderly.

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Excess Deaths From COVID-19, Community Bereavement, and Restorative Justice for Communities of Color

Article details how communities of colour are disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

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Floating the Waves of Grief

Booklet with descriptions of various diagnosable forms of grief and chapters addressing a number of populations including healthcare providers, family members, and individuals supporting themselves.

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For Those in Long-Term Care, COVID-19 Compounded the Weight of Grief

"Even as vaccinations make their way across the United States, the impact of the pandemic remains present for residents of long-term care and their loved ones."

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Funeral Attendance

This module provides practical advice on funeral attendance by children and implications for relevant school policies. 

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Funerals in the Time of a Pandemic: A Toolkit for Children & Families

This resource goes in-depth into the importance of funerals in the grieving process, how families can enact funeral activities at home, and how to include kids in these activities. It gives practical advice for how to support children in understanding/coping with grief.

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Gay Grief Is Different

Explanation of how the LGBTQ community's grief is often disenfranchised because of marginalization. *Not COVID specific

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Grief About My Father’s Death is Making it Hard to Concentrate at Work

Interview with a man whose father died in India and the influence of the current Indian political climate on grief as well as grieving at a distance.

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Grief and Bereavement During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Supporting Yourself and Others

Booklet with descriptions of what grief might look like, how to cope, and how to support others.

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Grief and COVID-19 for Healthcare Providers: Staying Connected in a Time of Loss and Uncertainty

This video module series discusses the experiences of palliative care workers during COVID-19. It explains how workers can support themselves, their colleagues, and their patients. | 00:59:11

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Grief and COVID-19: Mourning What We Know, Who We Miss and the Way We Say Goodbye

This article explores experiences of children and young people’s death anxiety as a result of COVID-19, and the impact of the pandemic and death on staff working in care establishments, and how grief was reported in UK newspapers.  

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Grief and Growth During COVID-19: Art & Writing Exercises for Teens

This resources directed at youth provides creative writing exercises for working through grief. | 00:43:33

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Grief and Loss

Article outlines different types of grief and how to support yourself as well as any children in your life.

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Grief and Loss During a Pandemic

This presentation outlines supports, tools and approaches to grief and loss during a pandemic when in-person classes are not available. Discusses ways to support yourself and others. | 00:34:06

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Grief and the COVID-19 Pandemic in Older Adults

Authors explore how grief affects older adults through the pandemic and make suggestions for mitigating prolonged grief disorder.

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Grief during COVID-19: Supporting Our Colleagues to Return to Work and Thrive Following Loss

Article about the unique experience of supporting colleagues in returning to work after loss from COVID-19.

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Grief During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Considerations for Palliative Care Providers

Establishes impact of covid on grief and suggests frontline workers can counter this grief through communication, advance care planning, and self-care practices.