Bereavement Professionals’ Insights

Christian – “Jeff’s Story”

Christian tells Jeff”s story… the good and his struggles.

Jenn – Your art completely belongs to you

Jenn explains the wonderful thing about art is that piece belongs completely to you and you have the power to do whatever you wish with it . She makes some suggestions as to what you may want to do.

Marija – Permission to mourn

Marija discusses the value of being allowing yourself to mourn

Sara – Music and celebration of life

Sara explains how music can play an importand and significant role in celebrations of life.

Jenn – What does an art therapist do

Jenn explains how art therapist use the creative process to help people make positive changes to improve their overall health and to enhance their well being

Jean – Be good to yourself

Jean shares about support and not being hard on yourself

Jen – “Yoga for grief”

Jen discusses how yoga can help release stress and give you strength to help deal with the circumstances you need to deal with.

Christian – “When people say dumb things”

Christian explains how he deals with people who say dumb things.

Nicole – Grieving as a community

Nicole discusses the power of grieving together as a community. Finding connection and trust.

A Million Other Things: Grieving a Drug Poisoning Death

Sister, father, son, niece, best friend – some of these words might be how you would describe your loved one who has died of an overdose or drug poisoning. People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) are not defined by their substance use – they are a million other things to those who love and miss them dearly. Drug poisoning and overdose deaths are stigmatized in our society. The focus is on how the person died, not who they are. Society still holds onto old notions and beliefs about drugs which come with a value judgment about people who use drugs, which further contributes to stigma. Not everyone who uses drugs is an addict and not all drug use is inherently problematic. People who use drugs deserve dignity and respect when we are remembering and honouring those who have died by overdose or drug poisoning.

Sara – Creating music

Sara explains how creating music can be a part of the grieving process

Madelyn – Accept what you are feeling

Madelyn talks about how it’s ok to not be ok.