I Am A Griever

Joyce -The pandemics impact on drug poisonings

Joyce talks about drug poisonings during the pandemic

Caileigh – Advice to my younger self about grief

Caileigh talks about things that you can do to balance out feelings that it’s okay to experience all of the big feelings that you have, to find joy in little moments, and to find ways that you can cope with those big feelings.

Betsy – Anticipation

Betsy discusses the anticipation of her adopted son dying of cancer and now or her aging parents

John – What to do now

John talks about the time after the initial period of grief

A Million Other Things: Grieving a Drug Poisoning Death

Sister, father, son, niece, best friend – some of these words might be how you would describe your loved one who has died of an overdose or drug poisoning. People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) are not defined by their substance use – they are a million other things to those who love and miss them dearly. Drug poisoning and overdose deaths are stigmatized in our society. The focus is on how the person died, not who they are. Society still holds onto old notions and beliefs about drugs which come with a value judgment about people who use drugs, which further contributes to stigma. Not everyone who uses drugs is an addict and not all drug use is inherently problematic. People who use drugs deserve dignity and respect when we are remembering and honouring those who have died by overdose or drug poisoning.

Kate – My art and my brother

Kate talks about being an artist and expression through art can remind her of her brothers encouragement

Scott – Writing music

Scott talks about the cathartic nature of writing music stories

Lyss – Writing Songs and Words

Lyss shares about how writing songs and words has helped her with intense feelings

Saved by a Unicorn: How I Found the Positive in Grief, One Stitch at a Time

Looking back, I had no idea how to even continue to live. A simple attempt at something therapeutic sent the negative bereavement energy into a positive direction. It made me realize my strengths, at a time when I felt I had none at all. It provided a space where I am now better able to manage grief when it hits.

Lyss – Seasonal Reminders

Lyss seasonal reminders and her mother dying at New Years

John – My Story

John tells the story of his wife became ill suddenly and died

John – What I have learned

John explains how he has changed since his wife died and now looking back what he would say to his self right after his loss