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.

Nicole – Power of Speaking About Lost Ones

Nicole discusses the importance of sharing memories of those lost to drug poisoning and speaking their names.

Amber – Talking to your kids about death

Amber talks about how important it is to talk about grief, especially with kids

Adrianna – Storytelling… intuitive and instrumental

Adrianna tells how storytelling helped her process her grief

Kate – Time to process

Kate shares about time and processing her grief especially during COVID

Antoinetta – Things that help when struggling

Antoinetta talks about the first time she learned that it was ok that she was grieving and how to unpack all her feelings

Laura- What Might Help in Grief

John Martin – Loss and Grief- Not Much Help

John talks about the importance of helping people in grief

Janice – “The importance of listening”

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

Nicole – Pandemic’s Effect on Safe Spaces and Mental Health Access

Nicole discusses how the pandemic affected access to safe spaces and shelters for those living rough and living with addiction.

John – Being helpful to someone in grief

John shares his thoughts on how to help someone in grief

Lyss – Depression, Anxiety, and Self Harm

Depression, anxiety, self harm, theapy, support, mental health, suicide