COOPERATIVE MEMORIAL SOCIETY
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Grieving Together

In tough times we are more vulnerable to stress, worry, anxiety and depression. It’s important to take care of ourselves and those we know. Be kind.

Death of a friend, family member and even someone we didn't know well, can have a significant impact on our mental and physical health. Remember, it’s normal to feel stress. Everyone who goes through a traumatic event is affected in some way. Sometimes these stresses may not appear for weeks or months following an event. It is important to watch for warning signs.

Alberta Health Services offers many free resources listed here:

Get Help NowCrisis/Distress Line
  • Edmonton 780-482-4357
  • Calgary 403-266-HELP (4357)
  • Distress Crisis Centres in Alberta
  • Text: Calgary Connect Teen
  • Online Chat: Distress Centre

Important Phone Numbers
  • Health Link – 811
  • Mental Health Helpline – 1-877-303-2642
  • Kids Help Phone – 1-800-668-6868

Grief Support

Visit these MyHealth.Alberta.ca resources or call 811 for information on grieving and helping children/teens during times of loss:
  • Recovery After a Disaster or Emergency Resources
  • Grief and Grieving: Overview
  • Coping with Grief
  • Unresolved Grief
  • Complications of Grief
  • Grief Dealing with Feelings of Insecurity
  • Obstacles to Grieving
  • Grief Counselling
  • Stop Negative Thoughts
  • Grief: Care Instructions
  • Grief: Losing a loved one
  • Grief: Helping Children Understand
  • Grief: Helping Older Adults With Grief
  • Handling Sadness and Yearning After a Major Loss

Supporting Others

The most important thing to do is simply be present, listen and show that you care:
  • Be tolerant 
  • Discover the gift of silence
  • Be accepting 
  • Allow the bereaved to express unhappiness
  • Don’t be distressed by differences in grief responses
  • Be aware 
  • Be respectful 
  • Refer to the person who has died by name
  • Be considerate
  • Allow people to grieve in their own way
  • Don’t interrupt; keep your comments brief and simple
WHAT TO SAY:
  • I’m sorry
  • I have not had the experience of losing a spouse/parent…
  • This must be a difficult time for you…
  • How stressful (or what a shock, or how sad) for you and your family… 
  • I cannot imagine what you are going through…
  • Ask non-invasive questions which reveal interest…then be quiet
This information was shared by The City of Calgary. 
WHAT NOT TO SAY:
  • I understand…
  • I know how you feel…
  • It was likely for the best…
  • It is God’s will or it was his (or her) time to go…
  • Be strong for the family
  • Avoid “Buck Up” messages
  • Be happy you had him/her for this long
  • You must keep going
  • Keep your chin up
  • Time will heal
Cooperative Memorial Society (CMS)
Suite 204A, 223-12th Ave. S.W. Calgary, Ab. T2R 0G9 Canada (Appointments required)
1-403-248-2044 
​Toll free: 1-800-566-9959
admin@calgarymemorial.com

​
  • Home
  • About
    • Presentations
    • Newsletter Issues
    • AGM Materials
    • Board of Directors >
      • Bylaws
    • We're a co-op >
      • History
      • Memorial societies
      • Funeral co-ops
      • Do we need a Funeral Co-op in Calgary?
    • Legislation
    • Privacy policy
    • Terms & conditions
    • Contact us
  • Locations & Plans
    • Airdrie
    • Bashaw
    • Blackfalds
    • Calgary >
      • 2023-2025 M&H Plans
      • Additional costs to plans
    • Castor
    • Cochrane
    • Coronation
    • Didsbury
    • Eckville
    • Edmonton
    • Ft. Saskatchewan
    • Innisfail
    • Lacombe
    • Leduc
    • Lethbridge
    • Linden
    • Medicine Hat
    • Olds
    • Ponoka
    • Red Deer
    • Rimbey
    • Rocky Mountain House
    • Spruce Grove
    • Stettler
    • Sundre
    • Sylvan Lake
    • Taber
    • Three Hills
    • Trochu
    • Wetaskiwin
  • Membership
    • Sign up here
    • Purchase by mail
    • Testimonials
    • Member forms & card
    • Troubleshooting
  • Login
    • Member Login
    • Dealing with Log-In Issues
  • Planning Ahead
    • Association des juristes d’expression française de l’Alberta
    • Personal Records
    • Wealth Management Assistance >
      • Getting Finances in Order
    • Hospice Calgary Programs
    • MAID: Medical Assistance in Dying
    • End of Life Planning & Care Video
    • Organ Donation
    • Body Donation
    • Family-Led Deathcare
    • Cremation >
      • Effect of cremation on environment
    • Green Burials
    • Cemeteries >
      • Calgary and area cemeteries
      • Medicine Hat, Lethbridge & Taber
      • Red Deer and Area
    • FAQs
  • Death of Member
    • Final Arrangements
    • Obituary - Writing
    • Permits and Registration of Death
    • Executor Duties
    • Death Benefit
    • Last Post Fund
    • Grieving Together
    • Services for Seniors
    • Useful links
  • Member Update