Bereavement Professionals’ Insights

Marija – Permission to mourn

Marija discusses the value of being allowing yourself to mourn

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.

Grief Busting Zine [Downloadable!]

This zine is designed by mental health professionals and contains information about grief, different types of grief we may experience, gentle reminders on how to move through grief, as well as tips for those who may be supporting someone in their life who is grieving.

Christian – “Overdose Death”

Christian talks about an overdose death not defining who that person was.

Madelyn – Holding space

Madelyn explains how holding space can help anyone in grief

Michael – “A story of loss and longing”

Michael relays a story of a man coping after the loss of his wife.

Janice- “Stay with feelings”

Janice talks about how feelings can be buried and how working through them can help.

Maureen – “Pregnancy and infant loss”

Maureen explains how pregnancy and infant loss is often misunderstood or underestimated.

Keith – “You need not be alone”

Keith discusses getting help, resources and that you don’t need to be alone.

Amanda – “Hospice like home”

Amanda discusses the value of feeling like being at home during palliative care.

Carrie – Thanatology

Carrie explains how thanatolgy is the study of death dying grief and loss.

Janice – “Being triggered”

Janice discusses triggering, overreacting, under-reacting, and taking responsibility for the size of our feelings.