Supporting Others

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.

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

John Martin – Coping with grief part 2

John talks gives some pointers to help cope with loss

Betsy – You can’t know until you know

Betsy talks about support and what really helps when one is in grief

Karyn and Aidan – Support.

Karyn and Aidan discuss how much the support they received helped

Amanda – “Listening”

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

Sarah K – Supporting someone in grief

Sarah gives her thoughts on how many things there are you can domto support someone in grief and how to be proactive

Lyss – Support, Family, and Friends

Lyss discusses the long process of her mother dying, miscarriages and support from family and friends

John Martin – First You Must Realize What Has Happened

John talks about realizing the reality of grief

John Martin – Grief – Don’t Ignore Your Losses. Loss needs to be acknowledged.

John explains why it is important to acknowledge grief

Jim – Helping by listening

Jim – ” I talk about how to be a good listener to someone who is grieving. I believe that one of the most important things you can do for someone who is grieving is to simply listen. Don’t try to fix their problems or offer advice. Just listen and be there for them. It can be as simple as meeting for coffee or taking a walk together. You’re doing more help than you realize when you simply listen to someone.

John Martin – Understanding Grief part 2

John talks about permission to grieve