Bereavement Professionals’ Insights

Jean – Grief resources and self care

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

Jacqueline – Crying

Jacqueline talks about how grief is love and how crying is natural

Janice – “Own our feelings”

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

Janice – “The importance of listening”

Janice explains the importance of not being judgemental and listening when helping someone is in grief.

Michele – Talks about being a death doula

Michele explains what death doula’s do. Doula means servant. They support people on many different levels… for instance, emotionally, spiritually and physically

Maureen – Preparing for holidays

Maureen gives some ideas to help during holidays like connecting and taking time out

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.

Sara – Listening to music

Sara discusses how listening to music can help navigate loss

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.

Madelyn -Healing and support group for Asian Canadian women

Madelyn discusses the value in having your voice heard

Corrie – Grieving during a pandemic

Corrie discuss the grieving during a pandemic

What Does Grief Support Look Like?

When we experience significant, on-going symptoms of grief that interfere with our adjustment to the reality of our loss, it can be time to seek professional help. It can be difficult to know where to find help and what grief support options are available.