It is important to know that each person will resolve their grief in their own time and in their own way.
Feelings associated with grief can be overwhelming, and getting through each day may be difficult. Unfortunately, there are no clear guidelines for the process. Coping with grief depends on many factors, from personal beliefs to one’s current stressors. Grief has the potential to impact many areas of our life, such as:
- personal identity
- your sense of self
- physical health
- purpose
- roles and responsibilities
- social interactions
- meaning and connection
- faith
- capacity
- work productivity
- safety and trust
- and more.
We grieve through both positive and negative major life transitions.
It does not have a set time frame and can last for weeks, months, or years. Your grieving can also be triggered during holidays, anniversaries, and major life events. However, it does tend to lessen in intensity over time.
Grieving is the normal and necessary journey we embark on after something we have valued no longer exists.
If you would like to learn a little more about grief, we encourage you to go through the handout below.
The handout contains artwork from Inuk Artist, Megan Hunt, from Iqaluit.
More Resources
Ikpigusungniq
A graphic novel for preteens, and for families to support a grieving child or youth
Navigating Grief, a Guided Journal for Teens
For Nunavummiut youth who have survived the passing of another person. This journal is a guide to help process grief and begin your own healing journey of resiliency.
Healthy Coping Strategies
Inspired by the 2022 United for Life Summit in Cambridge Bay, where Nunavut youth shared and brainstormed a list of healthy coping strategies. Take a moment to read through them, along with colouring pages and other activities.
Children’s Arts and Crafts Activity Book
To inspire creativity and pride in the culture and surroundings of Nunavummiut, IIKELC developed this resource for aspiring and growing crafters.
Navigating Grief, A Guided Journal
Process grief and begin your own healing journey of resiliency. Talking about grief may not be something you’ve done much and might make you uncomfortable to consider. To support the process, this journal includes a variety of writing prompts, mindfulness activities and exercises, quotes, and affirmations.
Youth & Adults’ Arts & Crafts Activity Book
These tutorials were made for Nunavummiut to inspire creativity and pride through art connected to their surroundings.