How should you deal with someone who is grieving?

Words often come with difficulty when you’re consoling someone who is grieving the loss of a loved one. There are various thoughts that might cross the mind and prevent anyone from taking the step to offer consoling to the grieving person; such as the fear of intruding, making things worse, or saying the wrong things. While it is not possible to take away the pain of the grieving person, there are various ways to help a grieving family member or friend. Start by showing them that you care.

Compassionate Listening

Although everyone worries about what to say to a grieving person, learning to listen is far more important.  It is important for the grieving person to feel that their loss has been acknowledged and that their loved one will not be forgotten.

It is important not to force anyone to open up, but at the same time, the grieving person should be given a feeling that they have the permission to talk about their loss.

Practical Assistance

Many grieving people often feel guilty about being paid a lot of attention and thus will usually not ask for help. It is helpful to make specific suggestions such as if they require some groceries, food or anything else.

It is important to be consistent in these practices as it helps the grieving person from being shy of asking for favors again and again. Another way to provide assistance is to use statements such as ‘Let me know what I can do’, ‘Call me if you need anything’, etc.

Continuous Support

Grieving usually continues for a long time after the funeral. The duration varies from person to person and the grieving person may require support for several months.

It is important to stay in touch with people who are grieving by checking in on them periodically or sending them messages, cards, etc. The support becomes much more valuable after all the mourners have gone and the shock has worn off.

Warning Signs

It is common for the grieving person to feel confused, depressed and isolated.  But if the symptoms appear to be worsening with time or show no sign of improvement, chances are that grief has transformed into a more serious condition known as clinical depression. In such cases, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Helping a person who is dealing with the loss of a loved one is not an easy task. However, it is important that they be given utmost support and care at all times. It is important to understand the situation they are going through and be ready for emotions such as anger, depression and shock. If symptoms of the event do not seem to improve, medical advice may be required.

About the Company

Timeless Loving Care Foundation is an international nonprofit organization that assists people in grief, facing terminal illness, and recovering from the battlefield by providing support through education and training, spiritual connection, along with providing practical services as well as sharing ideas through literature, the arts, and entertainment. They are focused on helping people work through the various stages of grief.