Bereavement Professionals’ Insights

Marija – Latent grief

Marija explains latent grief

Michele – Normalizing conversations around death dying grief and loss

Michele discusses grief literacy, the importance of talking and that dying is a part of life

Janice – “Grieving alone”

Janice discusses grieving alone and when its important to have people around you that can listen and understand what you are feeling.

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 – Art, art as therapy and art therapy

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

Keith – “Knowing what to say”

Keith gives practical advice about helping someone in grief.

Rev. Sky – “What is a trigger”

Rev. Sky explains triggers, identifying them and what you need.

Maureen – “Unresolved conflicts”

Maureen shares about her Dad, anger, love and some tools to manage unresolved conflicts.

Christian – “Growth out of pain”

Christian tells about how grief changes and we grow.

Sara – My Story

Sara talks about why she became a music therapist, espression and connecting to feelings

Keith – “Grief at any age”

Keith discusses grief and age.

Janice – “It’s never too late to grieve”

Janice talks about the importance of noticing feelings.