Drug Poisoning and the Pandemic

Nicole – Pandemic’s Effect on Safe Spaces and Mental Health Access

Nicole discusses how the pandemic affected access to safe spaces and shelters for those living rough and living with addiction.

Nicole – Pandemic Leads to Increase in Drug Poisoning

Nicole discusses the increase in drug poisonings during the pandemic due to a number of factors.

Kate – My story

Kate tells her story of being away when her brother died of an opioid overdose

Kristal – Attending Memorials as a Support Worker

Kristal discusses the importance of finding ways to honour people that have been lost and how they have impacted you. She speaks to how she often chooses not to attend public memorials for those she has lost as a support worker as they are often very overwhelming. Instead, she has her own personal rituals or ways of honouring those she has lost personally including opening a window. She discusses how this practice was used when she worked in palliative care.

Christian – Grieving those who died of drug poisoning

Christian talks about grieving, stigma and dying from drug poisoning

Christian – My process in grieving

Christian explains his grieving process and how it’s important to let people in, the power of community, and having a team that makes him feel loved and cared for

Kate – Time to process

Kate shares about time and processing her grief especially during COVID

Kate – Advice to my younger self

Kate explains things being authentic and honest to herself has been very valuable

Kate – Trust and listening

Kate – explains how having someone you trust is super important so that you can have a space space to go to

Joyce -The pandemics impact on drug poisonings

Joyce talks about drug poisonings during the pandemic