Bereavement Professionals’ Insights

Amanda – “Ministry of Presence”

Amanda discusses how being present with someone can be helpful.

Amanda – “Hospice”

Amanda talks about the comfort zone in palliative care.

Adrianna – Death doulas and grief

Adrianna explains what a death doula is

Maureen – “Trust yourself”

Maureen talks about finding your own way in your healing process.

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.

Adrianna – Triggers and the ball in the box analogy

Adrianna gives some great insights on how to deal with triggers

Coping with Guilt in Grief Playlist

Listen to the thoughts and insights of people and families living with grief.

Carrie – Thanatology

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

Chantal – Grief and art therapy group

Chantal talks about the honour of being witness to other peoples story and exploration of grief and art therapy

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.

Jen – “Breathing and grief”

Jen talks about how breathing and yoga can help cope.

Janice – “Risks”

Janice talks about risks in behaviour and progress.