Bereavement Professionals’ Insights

Maureen – “Anger”

Maureen talks about the power of anger and how to deal with it.

Keith – “Timeframe for grief”

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

Reflections on Mother’s Day

Mother’s day is a holiday where we show appreciation and care for the maternal roles in our lives. However, this holiday can feel very overwhelming for those of us who are grieving the death of a mother figure, a mother grieving their child, or those of us grieving the loss of not being able to become mothers ourselves.

Chantal – The benefits of the physical part of art making

Chantal talks about how art can release energy in a healthy cathartic way

Jen – “From funeral director to yoga for grief”

Jen talks about how being a funeral director and how yoga and grief became connected for her.

Adrianna – Metabolizing grief

Adrianna explains metabolizing grief and grief literacy training

Corrie – Talking to children about death and dying

Corrie explains how to discuss death and dying with children

Christian – “Remembering together in a meaningful way”

Christian discusses the power of memories.

Maureen – “Trust yourself”

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

Janice – “Photographs”

Janice explains how photographs can be a doorway to help move forward.

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.

Jenn – In grief an art therapist can be there to walk with you

Jenn discusses how an art therapists can support you in those moments of pain. They are there to honour your stories and experiences.