Grieving can be so alienating, depressing, and heart-breaking for someone experiencing it firsthand. Loved ones will feel empathy but are either awkward or unsure how to best help. To ensure you are present for your loved one grieving, consider doing the following:
Be present and available: The most important thing you can do is to be there for your loved one. Listen to them and let them know that you are there for them. Even if you don’t know what to say, your presence and support can mean a lot.
Offer practical help: Offer to help with practical tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, or running errands. This can help ease the burden of daily responsibilities and allow your loved one to focus on their grieving process.
Respect their feelings and where they are at: Grieving is a complex process, and your loved one may experience a range of emotions. Allow them to feel and express their emotions without judgment.
Share special memories: Encourage your loved one to share memories and stories of the person they have lost. This can help keep their memory alive and provide comfort.
Check in regularly with visits and/or phone calls: Grief can be a long process, and your loved one may need ongoing support. Check in with them regularly and let them know that you are still there for them.
Seek professional help: If your loved one is struggling with their grief or experiencing depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues, encourage them to seek professional help. This can include therapy, counseling, or support groups.
Remember, everyone grieves differently, and there is no “right” way to support a grieving loved one. Be patient, compassionate, and understanding, and allow them to grieve in their own way and on their own timeline.
