Supporting Others Experiencing Grief
Supporting Others Experiencing Grief
It can be challenging to witness someone you love going through the grieving process. Sometimes, we struggle to know what to do, what to say, or if the grieving person even wants us around. It is important to note that one of the most critical factors in healing from grief is social support.
While a person may feel the urge to withdraw during their grieving process, social support is key to finding healing and growth as one deals with grief.
A few ways a person wishing to support a loved one as they experience grief can include:
- Offering a listening ear. Sometimes, a person just needs a friend willing to listen to their inner struggles. You don’t have to offer advice or say much of anything. Simply listen and offer your support as your loved one vents their complicated emotions, thoughts, and feelings associated with their loss.
- Offering the grieving person hope. While one does not want to discount the feelings their loved one is experiencing by simply saying, “You’ll get over it,” they can still offer the friend validation and hope at the same time. A person can say to a grieving friend: “I know this time is difficult, and you should take all the time you need to grieve, but I have seen your strength and know that one day things will begin to feel better.”
- Offering a helping hand. One should not just ask what they can do to help because, chances are, the grieving loved one will struggle to ask for the help they need. Instead, a friend looking to help should offer to clean their space, bring them a healthy meal, or watch their children as they get some personal time. Any help a person can offer will mean the world to their friend.
- Offering validation and support. The most important thing a grieving person needs is love, validation, and support as they navigate the grieving process. A friend hoping to help their grieving loved one should continue reaching out, offer a shoulder to cry on, and listen to their friend without judgment.