Bereavement Professionals’ Insights

Christian – “When people say dumb things”

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

Madelyn – My story

Madelyn tells her story and how she became a music therapist working in palliative care

Jenn – Art can give a break from grieving

Jenn talks about one of the most overlooked benefits of making art during bereavement. It can provide and escape from your grief.

Jen – “Breathing and grief”

Jen talks about how breathing and yoga can help cope.

Carrie – Thanatology

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

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.

Janice – “Being triggered”

Janice discusses triggering, overreacting, under-reacting, and taking responsibility for the size of our feelings.

What Does Grief Support Look Like?

When we experience significant, on-going symptoms of grief that interfere with our adjustment to the reality of our loss, it can be time to seek professional help. It can be difficult to know where to find help and what grief support options are available.

Maureen – “Our first miscarriage”

Maureen shares insights about her miscarriages.

Donna – “Helping a grieving friend”

Donna shares some practical ways to help someone in grief.

Keith – “Knowing what to say”

Keith gives practical advice about helping someone in grief.

Janice – “More to deal with than death when someone dies”

Janice explains that when somebody dies it’s not just the death that you are dealing with but the entire relationship.