Grief and Trauma

Bryan – Helping Others

Bryan explains how his experience with grief has helped him help others and why it’s so important for him.

What I know about grief

The following are some things I know to be true about grief for me, based on my lived experience. Some of them may resonate with you as well. Grief is unique to the people experiencing it in each moment, so please take whatever makes sense to you from this share and leave whatever doesn’t.

Christian – “Overdose Death”

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

Krista – “Feel the feelings”

Krista discusses why she thinks it’s important to deal with feelings. Krista continues to grieve the death of her son from opioid overdose.

Cheryl and Mike – “Their Story”

Cheryl and Mike discuss losing more than one family member. They continue to grieve Cheryl’s father and the death their daughter in a car accident.

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.

Shannon – Blessings and sadness

Shannon discusses how just showing up, being present is a powerful way of supporting to someone who has lost. Listen more – talk less.

Brenda and Dale – “Family”

Brenda and Dale talk about their struggles in being a family. They continue to grieve the death of their son by suicide.

Cameron Halkett – “We Matter Campaign”

Cameron talks about her loss and reads her poem about not being alone.

Tenille Campbell- “We Matter Campaign”

Tenille discusses her loss and how writing helps with her hurt.

Cheryl and Mike – “Living with grief”

Cheryl and Mike discuss process and moving forward. They continue to grieve the death their daughter in a car accident.

Donna B – “Having Faith”

Donna explains how faith has helped her. Donna continues to grieve the death her son during service in Afghanistan.