Death and Grief During a Pandemic

Kate – Time to process

Kate shares about time and processing her grief especially during COVID

Maureen – “Permission to mourn”

Maureen explains about grief being valid and how important it is to look after yourself.

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.

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- The Importance of Friends While Grieving

Maureen – Palliative during the pandemic

Maureen lost her father in law during the pandemic

Andrea – My Story

Andrea shares her story of losing her husband during a pandemic

Karyn and Aidan – The what if game and guilt

Karyn and Aidan explain how they have dealt with guilt

Lynda – “The importance of getting professional help”

Lynda discusses the many ways professionals can help.

Nicole – Power of Speaking About Lost Ones

Nicole discusses the importance of sharing memories of those lost to drug poisoning and speaking their names.

Jane – Loneliness while processing grief

Jane talks about grieving without her extended family because of the pandemic and how that’s impacted things like scattering ashes and having celebrations of life.

Jean – Be good to yourself

Jean shares about support and not being hard on yourself