Bereavement Professionals’ Insights

Cara – The real issues for grieving people with intellectual disabilities

Cara provides some context for the real issue of grief in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and those supporting them, including that we consider that there’s not a lot of education or information out there about how best to support someone with an intellectual disability who is grieving.

Marija – Latent grief

Marija explains latent grief

Thoughts About Grief Counselling Playlist

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

Shannon – Blessings and sadness

Shannon discusses how just showing up, being present is a powerful way of supporting to someone who has lost. Listen more – talk less.

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

Janice – “It’s hard work”

Janice explains that hard work is necessary to reach the calm and peace.

Jean – Grief resources and self care

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

Christian – “Jeff’s Story”

Christian tells Jeff”s story… the good and his struggles.

Janice – “Grief is a response to loss”

Janice discusses waves of grief and how important it is to go with it.

Chantal – The benefits of the physical part of art making

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

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.

Claudia – What do I do when my art is finished

Claudia explains some helpful tips after your art is finished