Bereavement Professionals’ Insights

Madelyn – My story

Madelyn tells her story and how she became a music therapist working in palliative care

Jean – Grief resources and self care

Jean talks about resources that help in processing grief and self care

Amanda – “No person is an island”

Amanda talks about the power of community and the importance of reaching out.

Janice – “Own our feelings”

Janice discusses the goals of emotional work and arriving at a peaceful place.

Claudia – Art, art as therapy and art therapy

Claudia discusses the definition of therapy and how art therapists are formally trained.

Christian – “Remembering together in a meaningful way”

Christian discusses the power of memories.

Jean – My Story

Jean talks about isolation and grieving during a pandemic

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.

Madelyn – Advice to younger self

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

Janice – “More to deal with than death when someone dies”

Janice explains that when somebody dies it’s not just the death that you are dealing with but the entire relationship.

Madelyn – Rituals and the Chinese grieving process

Madelyn talks about expressing your grief in Chinese cultures and how rituals are a war of grieving providing comfort

Rev. Sky – “Sharing”

Rev. Sky explains how sharing helps you heal.