Supporting Others

John Martin – The Trauma of Loss and Grief

John discusses trauma and grief

Sarah K – Talking to my kids

Sarah discusses the challenges of discussing her kids about their Dad;s death to heroin and helping them on their journey through grief

John – The power of journaling

John shares how journaling has helped him so much

What I know about grief

The following are some things I know to be true about grief for me, based on my lived experience. Some of them may resonate with you as well. Grief is unique to the people experiencing it in each moment, so please take whatever makes sense to you from this share and leave whatever doesn’t.

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.

Donna B – “Seeking Help”

Donna talks about the importance of speaking to someone. Donna continues to grieve the death her son during service in Afghanistan.

John – Being helpful to someone in grief

John shares his thoughts on how to help someone in grief

Madelyn – Holding space

Madelyn explains how holding space can help anyone in grief

Kate – Trust and listening

Kate – explains how having someone you trust is super important so that you can have a space space to go to

Lisa – How to support someone in grief

Lisa shares what was helpful from other people when she was grieving

Andrea – Loneliness and support

Andrea talks about how tough it is to be alone and how her friends and family have come through for her

Amanda – “Listening”

Amanda shares the importance of listening and being comfortable with silence.