Death and Grief During a Pandemic

Christian – Grieving spaces

Christian talks grieving spaces and people coming together when grieving

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.

Kim – Some cry some don’t

Kim discusses how tough COVID made the hospital experience and the support she received

Christian – Grieving those who died of drug poisoning

Christian talks about grieving, stigma and dying from drug poisoning

Karyn and Aidan – Hospital and the COVID restrictions

Karyn and Aidan talk about the challenges of the restrictions and the impact of COVID patients on John’s care

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

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.

Sunny- Grieving Different Losses

Zoreena – Support systems

Zoreena explains the importance of support systems

Karyn and Aidan – Humour

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

Jane – Struggling to process layers of grief

Jane talks about her experience navigating multiple losses in a short time and the impact the pandemic has had on that by adding even more multi-facitated layers of grief

Zoreena – My Story

Zoreena talks about COVID and the loss of her father and a cousin