Death and Grief During a Pandemic

Jean – Be good to yourself

Jean shares about support and not being hard on yourself

Maureen – Funeral during the pandemic

Maureen talks about funeral arrangements during a pandemic

Sunny- The Importance of Friends While Grieving

Jean – My own grief and being a professional counsellor

Jean shares about being a counselor and going through her own grief

Kim – Checking in is very important

Kim explains why it is so important to check in and keep in touch with people who have lost

Kim – Support at the hospital

Kim discusses how tough COVID made the hospital experience and the support she received

Nicole – Grieving as a community

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

Nicole – Pandemic’s Effect on Safe Spaces and Mental Health Access

Nicole discusses how the pandemic affected access to safe spaces and shelters for those living rough and living with addiction.

KIm – Planning a funeral in the pandemic

Kim explains the ups and downs of planning a funeral during the pandemic

Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Other Special Days

When we are grieving, some days are more difficult than others. Grief comes in waves like the sea and can feel like an intertwining labyrinth of emotions. Birthdays, anniversaries, and special dates that are associated with our loved one who has died can contribute to more emotionally intense days which can be worsened through the anticipation and “what ifs” of the upcoming day. These difficult days can leave us feeling defeated and it can almost feel like we’ve taken two steps backward in our grieving process, but grief does not have a timeline, and these feelings of setbacks are opportunities for healing.

Jane – What processing grief during the pandemic may look like

Jane talks about how the pandemic has postponed a lot of “firsts” without her grandparents that have impacted her experience of moving through grief.

Jane – Grief and yoga

Jane shares about the impact yoga, and moving her body in general, on her mental health while she processes grief.