Resource Library

Grief is the psychological, behavioral, social, and physical response to a loss. There is no correct way to express grief and responses to losing a loved one are an entirely different from person to person. Grief can also be challenging as it can come …

Grief is a natural and normal reaction to a loss of any kind.  It is a journey of experiences and feelings in response to that loss and a process of life adjustment because of that loss.  Grief is not an option, but a necessary mechanism for health and …

Loss can be incredibly challenging for children to process emotionally. Often, it can be hard to find the support children need, particularly if their caregivers are grieving as well. Below are some resources and organizations that provide services to …

Do you believe… “Mourning is the same as grieving” “There are orderly, predictable stages to grief”  “The goal of grief is to move away from it, not toward it”   Common myths can keep us from supporting one another, or ourselves in grief.  Does …

Everyday occurrences can trigger an unexpected emotional reaction. We are not recommending or assuming any particular actions must be completed. This is only to help to identify what could trigger a response and is not an exhaustive list. Around the ho …

We celebrate many holidays throughout one year. Each family has special and specific holidays filled with traditions and rituals. Our memories of these holidays often bring a sense of joy, comfort and belonging. When a loved one dies these memories may …

Four things to know after a loved one has died:   You may feel lost, helpless, empty, or even relieved.  Any and all emotions are possible and acceptable. Each person mourns in their own way and in their own time. You might be overwhelmed, so use your  …

Losing a loved one is heartbreaking and going through that person’s property can be difficult and painful. However, sorting through the items with a plan and good support can make the process easier. The deceased person’s will governs the way the asset …

Pets can be an integral part of any family as their companionship, emotional support, and unconditional love creates a strong bond. While it is easy to celebrate your pet’s birthdays, got-ya-days, and have them present for all your family’s milestones, …

When a loved one dies we are often left with complicated and overwhelming feelings. The person you loved is gone, yet all of their belongings remain. A part of you may say, “This is all just stuff, it isn’t really my loved one.” Yet it is the “stuff” t …

It is a gift to those we love if we can share our voices and name how we would like to face life even as it comes to an end. As a caretaker, you can help your loved one to voice decisions concerning their care. Life and death discussions are challengin …

Buckle up. Whether it is your first year or your 10th year without the person you love, the holiday season is going to be different than it was before. There are few things that are as triggering than the slogan around the holidays that, “This is the t …

The following is an excerpt from The National Alliance for Grieving Children (NAGC) Grief Talk: Talking to a Child or Teen to Let them Know Someone has Died. Provide Honest And Accurate Information When talking to anyone about death and dying, a good r …

Father’s Day can be an incredibly challenging time when dealing with the loss of a father or a child. Even in grief, Father’s Day can be a time to honor and remember the impact that your loved one’s have on your and your family’s life. Grieving the los …

Mother’s Day can be an incredibly challenging time when dealing with the loss of a mother or a child. Even in grief, Mother’s Day can be a time to honor and remember the impact that your loved one’s have on your and your family’s life.   Grieving …

Holding Space for Others as They Grieve: How saying nothing at all is sometimes the best thing we can do for someone who is grieving. Stronger than ever is the need for nonverbal affirmation in today’s society. Our lives are ruled so much by a constant …

The first year after the death, you will experience and “live through” the firsts: birthdays, wedding anniversaries, and holidays. Below we offer tips and suggestions in managing and living through these “firsts”. Remember, some of these tips will appl …

Coping with loss takes time and impacts people differently, both emotionally and physically. Here we list resources to aid in the grieving process. *Carson’s Village does not endorse any of these services over another.   Therapy: Psychology Today  …

We are never fully ready to face the finality of death.  We may think we can prepare or practice in anticipation of loss, but death can always surprise and everyone reacts differently. Beyond the sadness of loss, you may experience other sharp emotions …

A caregiver is someone who helps a person who needs assistance with daily activities due to aging, illness, disability or injury. Caregivers can play a significant role in an individual’s life, sometimes they are all the support that one has. Whether t …

Losing an infant, stillbirth, and miscarriage can all be incredibly traumatic experiences. Often, it can be hard to find the support you want and need and relying on family can be difficult as well. Below are some resources and organizations that provi …

The period of grief experienced after the loss of a loved one can be a confusing and overwhelming time. There is no right way to grieve. Sometimes it comes in waves throughout a regular workday, and other times it hits you like a bag of bricks as you l …

The grieving process can promote feelings of helplessness and loneliness and dealing with loss can forever change the way we view the world. Recognizing the void that loved ones leave in our lives, hearts, and minds can be a very important part of the …

In these unprecedented pandemic times, funeral homes and families have needed to adapt to a new method of mourning. Families and friends are not always able to mourn via traditional funeral services. Currently, many loved ones do not feel comfortable t …

The holiday season is often depicted as a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. For many, it is a cherished period filled with warmth and laughter. However, for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, the holidays can be an emotionally ch …

The Grief & Loss Center of North Texas has started a new Parent Group for Child Loss by Suicide.   Services offered:  Any parent who has lost a child to suicide no matter where they live is welcome.  The group will meet virtually on Zoom the 3rd We …

Whether it’s the first or the twentieth, the anniversary of a loved one’s death can bring up a lot. Not only do you have to manage your own emotions, but you’ll likely hear from friends and family who want to check-in and process with you. So, what exa …

Religion and spirituality can be a great help during a time of loss. Yet a significant loss also may cause you to question everything, including your faith. This may initially feel like a compounded loss adding to the grief you’re already experiencing. …

Adult    The Comfort Book by Matt Haig  Courage to Grieve: Creative Living, Recovery and Growth Through Grief, by J. Tatelbaum  Dying Well: The Prospect for Growth at the End of Life, by Ira Byock A Grace Disguised by Jerry Sittser Grief is Love b …

Communications should start with immediate family members and close friends. The family can determine how they need to facilitate this communication. Once immediate family, friends and clergy have been notified, then extended friends and family should …

Seeking support after loss can already be a very challenging task, and finding support resources in the language you speak is all the more important. In recent years, more and more services are becoming available for Spanish-speaking communities, parti …

Losing a life partner can be a very traumatic experience and result in heavy feelings of grief, sadness, and depression. Finding ways to cope and support oneself after losing a partner is essential to ensuring your own personal well-being and continuin …

Children know things. They can sense when there is upheaval, sadness, longing, and fear.  It is important to respond to your child in the most straightforward, age-appropriate way when a loved one has died. You may be inclined to use metaphors or euphe …

Whether it be a lack of support financially or emotionally, or a simple misunderstanding of the emotions involved, the period of grief experienced after the loss of a loved one can be a confusing and overwhelming time. There is no right way to grieve. …

Your best friend or family member is in pain and you aren’t sure what to say.  Use this guide to help you with some examples of things to say in this difficult time.  It is important to understand there is nothing you can say at this moment to take awa …

Even if you decide not to use our free services, we would still like to help. Following is a list of some things to consider as you face the first few days after your loss: It is important for the family to say “yes” to offers of help. It can be difficul …

Many people who have survived a miscarriage initially associate the experience with shock and loss: a loss of life, a loss of self. Here are some words of comfort while you move forward and take this healing journey.   Breathe. When a person experience …

Struggling to return to work after the loss of a loved one? Or do you work with someone who is returning to work while still grieving and you don’t know what to say? Carson’s Village can help. Visit our resource pages to access return to work aids that …