The Glam Reaper: All Things Mental Health With Barbara Kemmis of Cana

Friday, 10 March 2023

All Things Mental Health With Barbara Kemmis of Cana

Losing someone and mourning a loss takes a toll on the mental health of the people that are left behind, especially during the pandemic, when cremation disposal was on the rise. Relatives’ gathering for the celebration of life gathering was very limited.

Now that the effects of the pandemic have waned, cremation is still on the rise, which could be understood as a result of lack of burial sites and financial constraints. On the good side, though, the pandemic has brought a positive effect on mental health because it is openly discussed in society.

Jennifer’s guest for this episode is Barbara Kemmis, the Executive Director of CANA and conversation will focus around mental health and how cremation has evolved since the pandemic.

"As humans, it is our impulse to gather, to comfort each other, to celebrate together." - Barbara Kemmis

LITTLE NUGGETS OF GOLD:

Does Barbara think that cremation will continue to grow after Covid?
Jennifer's thoughts on funerals and celebration of life.
Barbara's experience participating in an online funeral for a distant relative in the Philippines.
CANA's Focus Group research validation on direct cremation and cremation with service.
Why does Jennifer think that funeral directors losing it in terms of value servicing?
Thoughts on cremation as a threat to the profitability of funeral providers.
If there is such a thing as a positive outcome of the pandemic, it would be the increased openness on mental health.
Why is mental health important in developing some kind of coping mechanism?
Funeral directors are complemented by event planners and celebrants in providing value to families.
CANA is now taking an interest in different forms of disposition.