Dr Anthony Bossis, one of the experts in our films, was a director of palliative care research. He was also co-principal investigator on the landmark 2016 clinical trial and publication demonstrating a significant reduction in emotional distress for dying patients, from a single psilocybin session

Green Burial means allowing a human body to decompose and return to the earth naturally. Modern burial practices started to gain popularity during the mid-1800's and we moved away from natural methods as embalming became the norm. But more and more, green burials are being reclaimed across the globe

When someone dies, you should get at least 12-15 copies of the death certificate. A funeral home can arrange this for you, or you can also order them through a local office of vital statistics.

Did you know that you should revisit your last wishes every so often to evaluate if your choices have changed? And if you do make changes, get rid of older copies and make sure to inform family and healthcare providers.

Many people avoid thinking and talking about death, but it is the fate of anything that is alive. Facing and planning for it is necessary.

Dementia is an umbrella term describing a cluster of symptoms caused by damage to the brain. These symptoms include memory loss, disorientation, confusion, and thinking problems. At some point in our lives someone we love will be affected by dementia

Visit our Youtube Channel to watch clips from our films, listen to our podcasts and find other videos that have to do with death & dying. There is a lot to explore and we're adding new stuff all the time. Search for "When You Die Community" or @WhenYouDie_org

In Ghana, Abeduu Adekai, which translates to 'proverb boxes' are not only tributes to the person who died, but works of art.

Support doesn’t mean fixing the pain — it means showing up. Sitting in the silence. Saying their child’s name. Remembering birthdays. Letting them grieve in their own way, for as long as they need.

Death can be traumatic, especially if you don't know what to expect. This is why the When You Die Project and our films exist. We want to help people understand the one thing that will touch us all.

For a limited time, all three films are available to watch on our website. If you haven't seen them yet, there's no time like the present! whenyoudie.org/the-films/

Much like a midwife or doula does with the birthing process, a death doula is a person who assists in the dying process,

Many have found that forgiveness can bring a sense of closure, peace, and serenity at the end of life, for both the dying person and their loved ones. However, it is not a guaranteed outcome, nor is it a mandatory process for everyone to find peace.

Grief can be felt, not fixed

The only guarantee in life is death. Shouldn't we be prepared?

By proactively planning for future care, we can eliminate the stress, worry and burden on loved ones.

At some point in our lives we may become caregivers to someone we love. In this conversation with Jennifer A. O'Brien, we discuss how to balance providing a dignified death for our loved ones with a smooth transition from caregiver to griever. whenyoudie.org/wyd-podcast-...

Some people want to know and others don't. What would your answer be?

How many Mondays do you have left? This is the approach Jodi Wellman takes in her book, which we're featuring on our bookshelf for January. Written with humour and insight, this book is meant to inspire readers to take action on the life they want to be living. whenyoudie.org/you-only-die...

No one defies death for long. So make the memories, and live like the clock will run out- because it will.

Do you have questions about what happens as we die? We did! So we turned to the experts, those with their "boots on the ground" and we made films based on what they had to say. Check out our trilogy whenyoudie.org/the-films/

In many cases, the focus on a new year is for self improvement. But for those grieving, it is about simply surviving. This is a time to rest and gather your strength. There will be other years for celebration, but if that's not what you're feeling, it's okay.

As the world steps into a new year, some of us carry the quiet ache of knowing our loved ones will never cross that threshold with us.

Why are winter burials different in colder locations, such as areas in Canada and the Northern United States? Learn all about the history of dead houses here!

If you know someone who is grieving, wishing them a Happy New Year might not seem like the best choice of words. Of course you want them to be happy but there are other ways to acknowledge their grief and wish them well.

New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be unrealistic goals. Sometimes they’re about remembering what’s true: this life is finite. Resolve to contemplate mortality; be "here", be present.

As death approaches, the body's systems naturally slow and shut down. We talk about the end stages of life, and what they look like, in our film trilogy. whenyoudie.org/the-films/

Taking the time to share your wishes with loved ones can make a difficult time just a little bit easier for them. It helps prevent misunderstandings and lets them focus on healing, without the added stress of guessing what you'd want.

One of the lines in " It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year", is "there'll be scary ghost stories". That doesn't seem very merry & bright, but it reminded the living how thin the line truly was. In the quiet of winter, we contemplated mortality, loss, and the fragile glow of life itself.

A message from When You Die co-founder, Johanna Lunn

May these small flames remind us that even in darkness, light doesn’t disappear—it flickers, it softens, it stays. Sending comfort to everyone navigating loss this Hanukkah.

There is no timeline for grief. Everyone grieves differently. There are lots of triggers on social media, that’s why we’ve created a ‘safe space’ playlist to help you navigate feelings around loss.

To the ones celebrating with a missing piece: You’re allowed to feel it all.

Holiday gatherings can be a surprisingly good time to talk about end-of-life wishes — what you want(or don't). It doesn’t have to be sad or heavy; it can be light, funny, or meaningful. Sometimes all it takes is one simple question to get the conversation started.

Grieving during the Holidays is tough. But you have the power to decide what to do, who to be with, and what to skip.

Whether you are grieving or know someone who is, the Holidays can be hard. We have some articles and resources on our website that you may find helpful, to get through this difficult time. whenyoudie.org

Life's precious moments are temporary and all we have is now.

Grief is a natural response to loss, and although it shows up differently for everyone, it can take many forms. Here are some of the most common types.

Have you experienced #grief brain?

Grief is meant to be shared.

While everyone will experience death, not everyone takes the opportunity to truly live a full and meaningful life. A good place to start is contemplating your mortality.

For this month, we’ve chosen a heartfelt and thoughtful read for children ages 5–8; one that gently opens the door to conversations about loss. whenyoudie.org/everett-ande...

This quote by Scottish novelist and poet, Walter Scott, frames death as a transition from one state to another. It is contrasting the common idea of death as a final, eternal sleep with a more optimistic view of it as a final awakening or new beginning.

Our latest article written by guest writer Radiana Piț explores the important roles women have held with funerary rites and rituals in rural Romania. You can read it here 🌿 talkdeath.com/women-at-the...

Today,Thanksgiving is observed in the US. It is a big holiday focused on family gatherings. To those who are missing someone at their table this year, we send our hopes that their memory brings you comfort.

Grief is a unique, non-linear journey influenced by individual personality and the nature of the relationship. There is no "right" or "wrong" way to grieve, so it's important to accept and respect the diverse ways people process loss.

How do the experts answer these questions? To find out, watch Saying Goodbye: Preparing for Death. You'll find it on our website. whenyoudie.org/the-films/

This is a common fear of families during the dying process, that morphine will hasten death. The patient's underlying illness and disease progression cause death, not the morphine. The drug will help improve the quality of life for patients by effectively managing pain and shortness of breath.

Thinking about those we've lost can make us sad, but there are also moments and memories that can make us smile.

The Holiday season is approaching and those grieving a loss may not want to celebrate. Or may want to change traditions, or hold on to old ones. Any way you choose to spend it is up to you.