Death and Grief During a Pandemic

Andrea – Couples versus being single

Andrea talks about becoming single when her husband died

Nicole – Stigma Surrounding Drug Use

Nicole discusses how the stigma around drug use has an impact on how people feel able to grieve when those in their community are lost.

Karyn and Aidan – Humour

Karyn and Aidan talk about how they use humour as a connection and a coping tool

Karyn and Aidan – Our story

Karyn and Aidan – Karyn tells the story leading up to John’s death during the pandemic

Jane – My Story

Jane shares her story about losing two of her grandparents just before the pandemic and the ways the pandemic has impacted her ability to process grief.

Jean – Traditions and grief

Jean discusses belief systems and traditions

Kim – Checking in is very important

Kim explains why it is so important to check in and keep in touch with people who have lost

Lynda – “It’s complicated during a pandemic”

Lynda talks about how things are so much more complicated in these times

Jean – Be good to yourself

Jean shares about support and not being hard on yourself

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.

Kara – Starting a grief journey again

Kara explains how Covid-19 has made her have to relearn tools to help in her grief. The pandemic changed the way Kara continued to grieve the loss of her partner.

Jane – Preparing for another loss

Jane talks about her experience with another grandparent dying after losing two grandparents over the last few years.