Grief and Trauma

Christian – “Overdose Death”

Christian talks about an overdose death not defining who that person was.

Brenda and Dale – “Returning to Work”

Brenda and Dale discuss their experiences going back to work. They continue to grieve the death of their son by suicide.

Bryan – Trauma

Bryan discusses trauma anxiety, support and the loss of his father to gun violence

Rev. Sky – “Why”

Rev. Sky talks about the question of why and how to look beyond it.

Donna B – “When the death is public”

Donna discusses healing and a public death. Donna continues to grieve the death her son during service in Afghanistan.

Tips for Grieving During the Holidays

The holidays can bring up a lot of feelings, especially when you’re grieving the loss of a loved one. Whether it’s the first holiday season without someone, the holidays mark a time where someone you love died, or it’s just hard to be around celebration when you’re not feeling celebratory, December can feel heavy.

These are a few tips for grieving during the holidays.

Krista – “My wish”

Krista discusses why she thinks helping others is important. Krista continues to grieve the death of her son from opioid overdose.

Cheryl and Mike – “Multiple losses”

Cheryl and Mike discuss the differences in loss of people who love you unconditionally. They continue to grieve Cheryl’s father and the death their daughter in a car accident.

Rev. Sky – “Weepies”

Rev. Sky talks about weepies, that they are OK and how to deal with them.

Tending to My Garden of Grief

So long as I remember the lives of those I have lost, honour their presence and impact on me and celebrate their spirit, they will continue to live with me and the pain will feel bearable. It will no longer stop me in my tracks. Instead, it will encourage me and propel me forward through the transmutation of that grief into something different, something more nuanced and fluid. I’d like to share a practice for processing grief which I have found to be especially helpful.

Donna B – “Seeking Help”

Donna talks about the importance of speaking to someone. Donna continues to grieve the death her son during service in Afghanistan.

Left Out: Enfranchising Children’s Grief and Loss

By: Jessica Milette, MSW, RSW All human beings have the capacity to grieve: people with intellectual disabilities, those living with a traumatic brain injury, and children of all ages. However, many people can experience disenfranchised grief when someone dies. Disenfranchised grief is generally grief that is not usually openly acknowledged, socially accepted or publicly mourned.…