Life Changes | Nova Scotia Health

Grief and Bereavement Resources

When death or a life-altering event happens, we can experience a sense of loss for someone or something important. Our response to this loss is called grief, and it’s something we all have in common. When reflecting on grief, it’s important to acknowledge the following:

A loss of any kind can be grieved
Grief is personal, universal and natural
There is no “wrong” way to grieve
Grief doesn’t just “stop” but can change over time
Experiencing grief honours your loss.
Cultural traditions and beliefs can play an important role in grieving

MyGrief.ca – an online resource to help people move through their grief from the comfort of their own home, at their own pace.

KidsGrief.ca - can help you understand how children (ages 0 to 18) grieve and how to support them as they face a life-limiting illness, dying and death of someone important to them.

Grief Matters - aims to improve how we understand and make room for grief, using creative, community-based activities.

New: Healing Pathways-Grieving Well – an online database designed to connect individuals with grief resources and support. The platform guides users through a series of questions to help identify the most meaningful and impactful resources tailored to their needs. It is designed for easy navigation with straightforward options for printing and sharing information. Initially focused on communities in the Cumberland, Colchester and East Hants Counties in Nova Scotia, this will soon expand to include remaining counties and resources that are provincial and national.

Nova Scotia Health – explore grief resources, supports and available programs.

To find community-based grief supports and programs in your area:

Go to 211 search for “grief support” or dial 211 (1-855-466-4994 toll free)

Some hospice societies offer grief supports and programs. To find your local hospice society, visit Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association.

Trauma Resources

Trauma can be defined as anything that results from experiences that overwhelm a person’s or communities’ capacity to cope. While trauma can be a common experience, people and communities can respond to trauma and healing in different ways. Trauma can happen on the personal, family, community, systems or societal levels.

Canadian Mental Health Association - Offers various supports.

Nova Scotia Health - Offers a variety of trauma and PTSD supports.

IWK - Trauma Informed Care.

Resources to Help You Build Resiliency

Resilience is a person’s or communities’ ability to cope, adapt and recover from stress, challenges, or crises. It is influenced by various factors such as life experiences, aspects of identity (such as age, culture, personality), individual and family coping strategies, and access to cultural meaningful community supports.

Access Wellness Nova Scotia - Provides single session counselling services virtually, in person and over the phone, free of charge, to Nova Scotia residents ages 18 and older.

Canadian Mental Health Association - Rebuilding our Resilience: This workshop offers tips and techniques to manage stress, strengthen coping skills and learn to thrive.

Healthy Minds NS - HealthyMindsNS is a suite of online mental health resources, available free to post-secondary students, to complement the mental health supports and services available on campuses.

Hope for Mental Health - Offers a continuum of programs and services designed to meet the diverse needs of individuals and families. These programs provide safe, supportive environments where participants can gain essential knowledge, develop skills, and access resources to thrive.

Mindwell U - MindWell’s unique, research-backed approach to mindfulness alleviates symptoms of stress, overwhelm, burnout and more while increasing the ability to experience more joy, calm, engagement in all areas of life. This service is available in English and French.

Roots of Hope - A multi-site, community-led project, created by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, that aims to reduce the impacts of suicide within communities.

Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) – Free and private online resource that includes interactive activities and videos for people having challenges with their mental health. This service is available in English and French.

Togetherall – Free and safe online peer-to-peer mental health community that empowers individuals to anonymously seek and provide support 24/7. It is available to all youth and young adults, providing an inclusive and supportive place to connect with others with real lived experience with common mental health concerns. To sign up, register at togetherall.com and use your Nova Scotia postal code.

Tranquility – Free support for people experiencing mild to moderate anxiety and depression. Tranquility can be completed at your own pace with the support of a coach.

Workplace Strategies for Mental Health - Resources and tools to help employees address workplace issues. Find an array of approaches for conflict, bullying, accommodation and well-being.