Loss & grief in Canada

Effects of High Levels of Loss & Grief Stress on Health and Personal Lives

Physical Health

• Weakened immune system: Increased vulnerability to illnesses due to prolonged stress.
• Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, leading to fatigue.
• Physical pain: Tension headaches, muscle aches, or even chronic conditions like hypertension.
• Appetite changes: Loss of appetite or emotional overeating, which can affect weight and energy levels.
• Increased risk of heart issues: Chronic stress can contribute to cardiovascular problems.

Mental Health

• Depression and anxiety: Persistent sadness, low mood, and worry can intensify emotional distress.
• Cognitive impairments: Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and decision-making challenges.
• Withdrawal: Reduced interest in previously enjoyed activities or social disengagement.

Workplace Impact

• Declined productivity: Difficulty focusing and low energy can affect job performance.
• Increased absenteeism: Time off may be needed to cope with emotional strain.
• Workplace relationships: Grief may cause irritability or conflict with colleagues.

Personal Life Impact

• Strained relationships: Emotional withdrawal or irritability may create distance in personal connections.
• Social isolation: Avoiding social interactions due to emotional overwhelm.
• Parenting challenges: Difficulty providing support or structure for children during times of grief.
• Spiritual distress: Questioning beliefs or values can occur, depending on the individual.

Suggestions for Support

• Professional help: Therapy, grief counseling, or joining support groups.
• Self-care: Prioritizing rest, nutrition, and gentle exercise.
• Connection: Maintaining relationships and leaning on social support.
• Workplace resources: Companies can provide services like October's mental health sessions or grief-focused content to help employees navigate loss.

Encouraging open dialogue about grief at work and in personal relationships can create a more supportive environment.

Effects of a High Amount of Loss & Grief Stress on an Economy

1. Reduced Productivity:

   • Widespread grief and stress can lower worker productivity due to emotional exhaustion, distractions, and absenteeism.
   • Employees may struggle to meet deadlines or perform routine tasks effectively.

2. Higher Absenteeism and Presenteeism:

   • Employees dealing with personal loss and grief may need more time off from work.
   • Those who show up but are not fully engaged (presenteeism) can also negatively impact organizational outcomes.

3. Increased Healthcare Costs:

   • Elevated levels of stress can lead to physical and mental health problems (e.g., depression, anxiety), increasing healthcare expenses for both individuals and organizations.

4. Negative Impact on Consumer Spending:

   • People facing grief and stress often re-prioritize spending, leading to reduced discretionary consumption, which slows down businesses dependent on consumer spending.

5. Strain on Social Support Systems:

   • A higher incidence of grief-related issues can put pressure on public healthcare, social support services, and insurance systems.

6. Workforce Turnover:

   • Employees overwhelmed by grief may leave their jobs, leading to higher recruitment and training costs for businesses.

7. Decline in Innovation and Creativity:

   • Chronic stress diminishes cognitive capacity, undermining problem-solving and creative contributions, which are vital for economic growth.

Supporting Employees to Mitigate Economic Effects

• Companies can adopt mental health programs like Panda, offering digital group therapy, assessments, and resources to help employees better cope with loss and grief.
• Proactively addressing stress at the workplace can reduce the overall economic burden and foster healthier, more productive work environments.

 Strategies for a Country to Lower Loss & Grief Stress:

1. **Increase Access to Mental Health Support:**
   - Provide free or subsidized counseling services, including grief counseling.
   - Facilitate access to online mental health platforms (e.g., October) for group sessions or resources.

2. **Raise Public Awareness:**
   - Launch public health campaigns to normalize conversations around loss and grief.
   - Educate communities about recognizing grief in themselves and others.

3. **Community Support Programs:**
   - Develop peer support groups or workshops to create shared spaces for coping.
   - Partner with local organizations to provide community-based grief support.

4. **Workplace Policies:**
   - Encourage workplaces to provide bereavement leave and supportive policies.
   - Offer mental health resources, like digital platforms, that address grief-related stress.

5. **Training for Professionals:**
   - Train healthcare workers, educators, and community leaders to support individuals experiencing grief.
   - Ensure they’re equipped to connect people with appropriate resources.

6. **Cultural Sensitivity:**
   - Recognize and respect cultural differences in mourning and grief practices.
   - Support the inclusion of culturally relevant practices for healing.

7. **Early Intervention Programs:**
   - Identify and assist high-risk groups (e.g., individuals grieving after natural disasters, pandemics, or accidents).
   - Create immediate response teams that provide trauma-informed care during crises.

Steps a Company Can Take to Support Employees with Loss and Grief Stress

1. Provide Compassionate Leave Policies
   Ensure the company has clear and compassionate bereavement leave policies that allow for adequate time off to process loss.

2. Facilitate Open Communication
   Encourage managers and colleagues to foster open and empathetic communication. Train leaders to approach grieving employees with understanding and without judgment.

3. Offer Flexible Work Arrangements
   Provide temporary flexibility in schedules or workloads for employees to better manage their grief while continuing their work responsibilities.

4. Promote Access to Mental Health Resources
   Ensure employees have access to counseling services or Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). Companies like Panda can support employee mental health through digital group sessions and content.

5. Create a Supportive Environment
   Host wellness sessions or support groups for grief management. A workplace culture that destigmatizes seeking mental health support helps employees feel safe.

6. Educate and Train Leadership
   Offer managers training on how to effectively support employees experiencing loss. This includes recognizing signs of prolonged grief and knowing when to suggest professional help.

7. Show Empathy Through Actions
   Acknowledge the loss by sending condolences or organizing ways to support grieving employees, such as offering meals or adjusting work milestones.

Optional External Support Consider integrating services like Panda to supplement workplace mental health initiatives, offering group sessions and customized support for employees dealing with grief.