Grief and Trauma

Living in the Aftermath of Traumatic Death

The sudden unexpected, traumatic death of a loved one is something like having a limb torn off.

Shocking. As if the air has been sucked from your lungs and you can’t manage another breath.

Krista – “Dealing with it”

Krista tells about the differences people have in dealing with it. Krista continues to grieve the death of her son from opioid overdose.

Donna B – “Anxiety Attacks”

Donna shares her experiences with anxiety and how she deals with it. Donna continues to grieve the death her son during service in Afghanistan.

Rev. Sky – “The grief tunnel”

Rev. Sky talks about going forward and growing in the grief process.

Donna B – “Sharing Stories”

Donna shares a story and explains why it feels so good. Donna continues to grieve the death her son during service in Afghanistan.

Krista – “Grief counselling helps”

Krista talks about how a listening ear has helped her. Krista continues to grieve the death of her son from opioid overdose.

Tending to My Garden of Grief

So long as I remember the lives of those I have lost, honour their presence and impact on me and celebrate their spirit, they will continue to live with me and the pain will feel bearable. It will no longer stop me in my tracks. Instead, it will encourage me and propel me forward through the transmutation of that grief into something different, something more nuanced and fluid. I’d like to share a practice for processing grief which I have found to be especially helpful.

Bryan – Anticipation

Bryan discusses the experience of having his father go through a coma and ultimately dying from gun violence

Donna B – “Tools for a year of firsts”

Donna discusses how to look after yourself. Donna continues to grieve the death her son during service in Afghanistan.

Cheryl and Mike – “Getting through it”

Cheryl and Mike talk about self care and relationships as they move forward. They continue to grieve the death their daughter in a car accident.

Rev. Sky – “Youth alert”

Rev. Sky talks about youth and when it’s time to reach out for support.

Left Out: Enfranchising Children’s Grief and Loss

By: Jessica Milette, MSW, RSW All human beings have the capacity to grieve: people with intellectual disabilities, those living with a traumatic brain injury, and children of all ages. However, many people can experience disenfranchised grief when someone dies. Disenfranchised grief is generally grief that is not usually openly acknowledged, socially accepted or publicly mourned.…