Grief and Trauma

Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Other Special Days

When we are grieving, some days are more difficult than others. Grief comes in waves like the sea and can feel like an intertwining labyrinth of emotions. Birthdays, anniversaries, and special dates that are associated with our loved one who has died can contribute to more emotionally intense days which can be worsened through the anticipation and “what ifs” of the upcoming day. These difficult days can leave us feeling defeated and it can almost feel like we’ve taken two steps backward in our grieving process, but grief does not have a timeline, and these feelings of setbacks are opportunities for healing.

Krista – “My wish”

Krista discusses why she thinks helping others is important. Krista continues to grieve the death of her son from opioid overdose.

Krista – “How a counsellor helps”

Krista explains how a grief counsellor has helped.

Rev. Sky – “Weepies”

Rev. Sky talks about weepies, that they are OK and how to deal with them.

Donna B – “Death of a Child and a Soldier”

Donna talks about losing her son and the military bond. Donna continues to grieve the death her son during service in Afghanistan.

Christian – “Overdose Death”

Christian talks about an overdose death not defining who that person was.

Sarah K – Story

Sarah tells the story of her husbands death to a heroin overdose.

Rev. Sky – “Yearning”

Rev. Sky discusses yearning and how it’s OK to feel those emotions.

Sarah K – Grieving in isolation

Sarah discusses isolation, being in grief during the pandemic and the importance of keeping connected

Shannon – Hope for Healing

Shannon shares about losing her husband to suicide, her parents and her father-in-law. She felt broken and to be able to take care of her kids and her self seemed overwhelming. It took someone telling her that you can heal from trauma to give her hope for healing.

Russell – “Relationship”

Russell discusses how loss affects relationships. Russell continues to grieve the perinatal death of his son.

Doug – “Find a purpose”

Doug talks about hope, purpose and putting things into perspective. Doug continues to grieve the death of bis daughter in a car accident.