What impacts grief: How you learned of the death

How you were notified of the death and the way details were shared can impact your grief. When information is shared in a supportive way and when guidance is provided for what happens next, it can be of great assistance at an overwhelming time.

The Commanding Officer tracked us down at the cottage that we were staying in. I always appreciated the Assisting Officer who was with him. The AO became a great friend and still is. It was his first experience giving this kind of news. It was just shock - it was quite a time for all of us. But the AO was just wonderful. He said, "I’m your secretary, and I’m doing everything for you." So, I think the army really comforted me. - Family Member

On the other hand, if you feel that you weren’t treated with compassion or with disregard, this can make your grief more challenging.

There’s nothing we can do to make it better for a family facing the worst day of their lives, but if we don't do it right, we can make it a lot worse. - Military Veteran