We plan for everything else in life—why do we stop at the end?
Posts by The When You Die Project
When we care for a loved one at the end of their life, our own lives often go on standby.
It’s a quiet transition where your own needs, hobbies, and routines are set aside to make room for a final journey.
Setting your life aside creates a unique set of challenges once that person is gone.
We could spend a lifetime wondering about the "what ifs," but we can also choose to hold tight to the "what was." Every laugh, every conversation, and every shared moment is a treasure that no amount of loss can take away. We live for the memories we made. 🕊️🤍 #grief
The weight of an unsaid goodbye is a heavy thing to carry.
Perhaps peace doesn't come from finding the perfect ending, but from realizing that love isn't contained in a final scene.
If you’re sitting with the ache of an unfinished story today, know that you aren't alone. ❤
Moving death out of our homes meant, slowly but surely, moving it out of our conversations
While emotional space is vital, practical support is often the glue that keeps daily life from unravelling. If you aren’t sure how to help when someone gets a life-limiting diagnosis, these are a few ways to show up, giving them the mental space to breathe, process, and just be.🤍
In our documentary In the Realm of Death & Dreaming, we hear from those who study consciousness and those who work with the dying—through both a clinical and deeply personal lens, questioning what these "glimpses" tell us about the nature of consciousness itself.
whenyoudie.org/the-films/
Education is the ultimate antidote to anxiety. By learning and talking about death, we stop bracing for the end and start embracing the now.
What do we see when the world fades away? 🌫️
Rev. David Maginley discusses the mystery of deathbed visions in our new film, The Architecture of Death. It’s time to change the conversation about how we leave this world.
tinyurl.com/aod-may
Ever had a fear of being buried alive? Well, in the Victorian era, you weren't alone. In fact, people were so spooked by the idea that they invented Safety Coffins. ⚰️💨
We talk about what happens to our stuff after we die, but what about our people? Would you want your partner to remarry? Why or why not?
Sending a little extra light to anyone navigating the "last act of love" today. You aren’t alone in the shadows. 🕯️ #grief
We spend a lot of time avoiding the subject, but there is so much power in defining it for ourselves. Whether it’s a biological fact, a transition, or a final mystery, your perspective matters.
How would you finish the sentence? Drop your thoughts in the comments. 👇
Today, we’re celebrating the "hidden" heroes: the family members and friends providing essential care for those they love. To the unpaid caregivers —we see you, we appreciate you, and we thank you. 💐
Let’s take a moment today to thank the caregivers in our lives.❤
#nationalcaregiverday
Which of these myths did you used to believe? Or, what is one myth about #grief you wish people would stop repeating?
In our films we talk about the "hospice effect".
By prioritizing quality of life, we create space for final memories, laughter, and meaningful goodbyes. It’s not about giving up; it’s about choosing to live fully, right up until the end. 🕊️
We often group "dying" and "pain" into the same category, but hospice pioneer Barbara Karnes, RN reminds us of a vital truth: Dying is a natural, peaceful process. It is the disease that brings the discomfort.
We are looking forward to our live online event with Barbara Karnes 🎟️
tinyurl.com/aod-may
Happy #Easter! 🌷 Today, we’re holding space for both the joy of the season and the quiet ache of missing our loved ones.
If you’re honouring someone’s memory at your table today, feel free to share a favourite tradition or a memory of them in the comments.👇
We have published a new series of key messages on dementia and brain health, which you can read here: buff.ly/tuVZzOJ
All of our key messages have been developed to provide members and multidisciplinary colleagues with topline information about specific issues relating to older people's healthcare.
The weeks and days leading up to death, the feeling of detachment is a common, natural part of the end-of-life process, often referred to as withdrawal from the external world
You don't just lose a person. There is a ripple effect that comes with loss that affects concrete things, known as #secondarylosses
#Grief is rarely a uniform experience, even within the same household, family or friendship.
Attention #Ottawa!!
We are thrilled to be hosting an in person screening of our second film, "Saying Goodbye: Preparing for Death" on May 2nd
This event is part of the second annual Legacy Expo, with limited seats available.
🎬 Make sure to reserve your spot today: 🎟️ tinyurl.com/Expo-SG
#Grief can impact our work. But our work can also impact our grief. In some cases returning to work can provide structure, social connection, and distraction from the intensity of loss. But feeling overwhelmed is natural, and having a few strategies can help you cope.
Bereavement leave is only a few days in many cases, which makes it hard to accommodate the reality of grief.
We’re always so inspired by our conversations with hospice pioneer, Barbara Karnes. And can’t wait to share some exciting news soon! Make sure you’re signed up for our newsletter to find out first. Visit our website whenyoudie.org to do so
Personalization means identifying what matters most to you. And we can't personalize it if we're afraid to talk about it.
On an orange background is a graphic of a bandaid. The text reads "You can't fix their grief. There is no bandaid solution. Just show up. Be Present. Support them by listening. Let them grieve in their own way."
When someone we love is hurting, it's natural to go into "fix it" mode. But grief is a process. Acknowledging their loss, allowing them to feel as they feel , can help.
Many people have a fear of shark attacks but selfie-related deaths are significantly higher in number.
#DeathCafe's are being held all over the world. They are group discussions about death and dying, usually held in cafes or community spaces. If you are curious about these gatherings, want to hold one in your community or to see if one is happening in your area, visit their website deathcafe.com