I Am A Griever

Joyce – Beliefs

April 23, 2023

Joyce talks about her belief system after her son died

Death of a Child / Death of A Loved One / I Am A Griever / Video

Kate – My story

March 11, 2023

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

Death By Overdose / Death of A Loved One / Death of a Sibling / Drug Poisoning and the Pandemic / I Am A Griever / My Story Video / Video

Jim – Police culture and grief

June 13, 2023

Jim talks about how grief is a natural part of life, but it can be especially difficult to deal with when you’re in the police culture. There’s a lot of pressure to bottle up your emotions and not show weakness, but that’s not healthy. It’s important to find healthy ways to cope with your grief, whether it’s talking to a therapist, joining a support group, or simply spending time with loved ones. You’re not alone, and there are people who care about you and want to help.

First Responders / I Am A Griever / Video

Joyce – Your other children

April 23, 2023

Joyce discusses how her daughter dealt helped her as well as dealing with the loss of her brother.

Death of a Child / Death of A Loved One / Death of a Sibling / I Am A Griever / Video

Lyss – Seasonal Reminders

March 23, 2023

Lyss seasonal reminders and her mother dying at New Years

Death of a Child / Death of a Parent / I Am A Griever / Perinatal / Video

John – Dating again

February 23, 2023

John talks about being asked by his daughters if he would ever date again

Death of A Loved One / Death of a Partner / I Am A Griever / Video

The Reflection Room® project: How storytelling supports processing grief

March 17, 2023

The Reflection Room project is an evidence-based participatory art installation that was developed by researchers at the SE Research Centre and Memorial University in 2016. The project included a research component that evaluated the impact of Reflection Rooms as the project adapted over time to address changing needs.

Blog Post / Collective/Community Grief / Death and Grief During a Pandemic / Death By Overdose / Death During Service / Death of A Loved One / I Am A Griever / I Am A Professional

Jim – Supporting someone in crisis

June 13, 2023

Jim talks about supporting someone in crisis and how being there for them can help. That may mean answering the phone at 2am, taking them to the doctor’s appointment, and checking tup on them. It’s not easy, but it’s the right thing to do. He was fortunate to have a friend who did this for him, and is still grateful for their support. If you know someone who is struggling, don’t be afraid to step up. It could make all the difference.

First Responders / I Am A Griever / Supporting Others / Video

Jim – Significant incidents

June 13, 2023

Jim discusses being involved in a significant incident and how it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and ruminate over it. You may even start to drink or use drugs to cope. But it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Many police officers have been through similar experiences. And there are resources available to help you get through this.One of the best things you can do is talk to a trusted friend or colleague. They can offer support and understanding. You can also seek professional help from a therapist or counselor. They can help you to process your experience and develop healthy coping mechanisms. It’s also important to remember that you can’t change the past. But you can learn from it. And you can move on. Don’t let one incident define you. You are a strong and capable person. And you will get through this.

First Responders / I Am A Griever / Supporting Others / Video

Kate – COVID and grieving with my parents

March 11, 2023

Kate shares about how COVID was stress on top of dealing with the loss of her brother

Death and Grief During a Pandemic / Death By Overdose / Death of A Loved One / Death of a Sibling / Drug Poisoning and the Pandemic / I Am A Griever / Video

Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Other Special Days

September 15, 2022

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.

Blog Post / Collective/Community Grief / Death and Grief During a Pandemic / Grief and Trauma / I Am A Griever

Betsy – You can’t know until you know

January 26, 2023

Betsy talks about support and what really helps when one is in grief

Death of a Child / I Am A Griever / Supporting Others / Video