By Chantal Tessier, Program Manager, Education & Volunteers – CMHA Champlain East
Submitted by Canadian Mental Health Association Champlain East
Grief is one of the most profound human experiences we face. Whether it comes after the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, a major life transition, or a difficult diagnosis, grief has a way of reshaping every part of our lives. It affects our emotions, our energy, our concentration, and even our ability to eat or sleep. As CMHA National reminds us, grief is universal, deeply personal, and never something we must navigate on our own.
People grieve in many ways. Some feel sadness or anger, while others feel numb or overwhelmed. These feelings often shift from day to day or even hour to hour. There is no single timetable for healing. What matters most is compassion, connection, and opportunities to understand and carry our grief more gently.
To support wellbeing and connection in our community, CMHA Champlain East is launching Choosing Joy Over Grief, an eight-week program created for older adults looking for gentle guidance through life’s changes. Beginning April 20 and sponsored by the United Way of SDG, the program offers weekly sessions that combine gentle education, cultural perspectives, emotional awareness and practical coping tools. Each session concludes with a shared meal to encourage connection and reduce isolation.
Participants begin by exploring what grief is, how it affects the body and mind, and the common myths that often surround it. In the weeks that follow, the course gently guides them in honouring their memories, understanding both primary and secondary losses, learning practical thinking strategies, and becoming more aware of emotional triggers. They also examine the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of grief through the CHIME framework, which emphasizes connectedness, hope, identity, meaning, and empowerment.
As the program continues, participants build resilience through mindfulness, grounding techniques, creative expression, sensory tools, and gratitude practices. One session focuses on navigating holidays, anniversaries, and other difficult dates, helping participants plan and communicate their needs. Another week focuses on practical matters that often surface after a loss, such as organizing personal paperwork, understanding what a digital legacy is, and identifying the kinds of tasks people may need to address over time.
The course concludes with a celebration of growth, connection, and the personalized “toolkit” each participant has created.
Grief can feel especially heavy when a loss is sudden or complicated by other life stressors. Reaching out for help can make a tremendous difference. Support groups, counselling, community programs and conversations with trusted people all offer meaningful relief. And if you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, immediate support is available through the national 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline, available 24 hours a day by phone or text.
Choosing Joy Over Grief is not about forgetting. It is about finding ways to honour what has been lost while rediscovering strength, meaning and connection. Grief may change our lives, but with time, compassion and community support, healing becomes possible.
To register for Choosing Joy Over Grief, beginning April 20 at Centre Charles Émile Claude in Cornwall, please contact Chantal Tessier at CMHA Champlain East: tessierc@cmha-east.on.ca or 613-933-5845.
DO YOU NEED HELP?
Dial or text 2-1-1 for free and confidential service that easily connects people to the critical social and community supports they need.
If you are thinking of suicide, please call 9-8-8 which is a mental health crisis and suicide prevention line.
The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice. If you need advice, please consult a qualified health care professional. For further information or if you want to access our services at CMHA, please call 1-800-493-8271 or visit our web site at www.cmha-east.on.ca
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