Bereavement Professionals’ Insights

Keith – “Disenfranchised Grief”

Keith describes disenfranchised grief.

Michael – “A story of loss and longing”

Michael relays a story of a man coping after the loss of his wife.

Maureen – “Our first miscarriage”

Maureen shares insights about her miscarriages.

Carrie – Thanatology

Carrie explains how thanatolgy is the study of death dying grief and loss.

Madelyn – Holding space

Madelyn explains how holding space can help anyone in grief

Amanda – “No person is an island”

Amanda talks about the power of community and the importance of reaching out.

Rev. Sky – “Yearning”

Rev. Sky discusses yearning and how it’s OK to feel those emotions.

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.

Keith – “Timeframe for grief”

Keith explains it is never too late to grieve and there is no timeline.

Maureen – “Milestones and anniversaries”

Maureen talks about loss and what happens over time.

Claudia – You do not have to be an artist to do art therapy

Claudia explains why you do not have to be an artist to benefit

Maureen – Preparing for holidays

Maureen gives some ideas to help during holidays like connecting and taking time out