Bereavement Professionals’ Insights

Cheryl – “My story”

Cheryl talks about her daughter’s organ donations.

Kristal – Attending Memorials as a Support Worker

Kristal discusses the importance of finding ways to honour people that have been lost and how they have impacted you. She speaks to how she often chooses not to attend public memorials for those she has lost as a support worker as they are often very overwhelming. Instead, she has her own personal rituals or ways of honouring those she has lost personally including opening a window. She discusses how this practice was used when she worked in palliative care.

Janice – “Grieving as long as you need to grieve”

Janice talks about her personal grief experiences and understanding the need for grieving as long as you need to.

Janice – “Feelings just are”

Janice explains the importance of listening to, trusting and honouring ourselves and our feelings.

Jen – “Breathing and grief”

Jen talks about how breathing and yoga can help cope.

Keith – “Disenfranchised Grief”

Keith describes disenfranchised grief.

Nicole – Grieving as a community

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

Keith – “Difference between grief and mourning”

Keith explains how grief is internal and mourning is external.

Shannon – Guilt vs Shame

Shannon talks about guilt can be a part of the grieving process but shame has to do with “is there something wrong with me”

Jean – What grief feels like physically

Jean discusses the physical effects she has experienced in grief

Madelyn – Advice to younger self

Madelyn discusses how having feelings is a gift and you can work through tough ones. There is hope.

Janice – “It’s hard work”

Janice explains that hard work is necessary to reach the calm and peace.