Death and Grief During a Pandemic

Joyce -The pandemics impact on drug poisonings

Joyce talks about drug poisonings during the pandemic

Lynda – ‘Pandemic and triggers”

Lynda discusses how hard it is during the pandemic to avoid triggers

Sunny- Processing Different Losses During the Pandemic

Sunny- Grief and Maintaining Health

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.

Kate – COVID and grieving with my parents

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

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.

Maureen – “Not being able to be with your loved one”

Maureen discusses ideas of how you can honour a loved now until it is safe to come together.

Jane – Grief and yoga

Jane shares about the impact yoga, and moving her body in general, on her mental health while she processes grief.

Maureen – Palliative during the pandemic

Maureen lost her father in law during the pandemic

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

When Death Feels like a Thief

In the heart of my grief, at my frailest, all I could see was what was no more. I grieved all that was stolen from me by death; love, security and even my very self. Had I known the value of having every pocket of who I was, picked bare by grief, I would not have fought so hard to hold onto it all.