How to support a friend or loved one who is grieving.

Supporting a friend or loved one who is grieving.

It takes a special kind of person to support a friend or loved one during their grief, so thank you for thinking of doing just that! Its such a rewarding experience to know youve been there for someone suffering such pain. I hope these tips are of help to make your experience satisfying for both of you.

Its important to let your grieving friend or loved one know that youre there for them, and to listen if they want to talk about their loss. Use the name of the person who died even though it can be awkward at first, theyll appreciate it. When you feel the time is right, ask sensitive questions, without being nosy, that invite the grieving person to openly express their feelings. By simply asking, Do you feel like talking? youre letting your loved one know that youre available to listen

Those who are grieving often need to talk about what happened repeatedly, sometimes in detail, so you need to be patient. Repeating the trauma is a way of understanding and accepting the death. Each time they talk about what happened, the pain lessens. By listening patiently and compassionately, youre helping your loved one heal

The emotions of grief often change quickly, so dont assume you know how the bereaved person is feeling. If youve gone through a similar loss, share your own experience if you think it would help. Remember though, no two people experience grief in the same way, so dont say you understand what the person is feeling or compare your grief to theirs. Again, put the emphasis on listening instead, and ask your loved one to tell you how theyre feeling

Let your loved one know that its okay to cry in front of you or to get angry, its perfectly normal. Grieving is a highly emotional experience, so the bereaved need to feel free to express their feeling, no matter how unreasonable without worrying what you think of them

If youre stuck for words, just be honest and say Im not sure what to say, but I want you to know I care and Im always here to listen or just squeeze their hand or give a reassuring hug, it means so much

If you are worried or concerned about your friend or loved one in any way, please encourage them to see their Doctor, who may feel it appropriate to make a referral to a bereavement Counsellor or therapist.

Lastly, let them know youre there for them if theres anything they need. A friend like you means the world!

Thank you for helping your friend and loved one. Lucy2

Resources

www.whatsyourgrief.com

namimass.org/programs/grief-support-services

moodjuice.scot.nhs.uk/berea...

nhs.uk/Livewell/bereavement...

rcpsych.ac.uk/healthadvice/...

survivorsofsuicide.com/help...

alzheimers.org.uk/info/2004...