How to Support a Loved One Through the Grief Process

When someone close to you is grieving, it can be hard to know how you can console them. What should you say to make them feel better? What should you do to help them get through this tough time?

Grief is a slow process. It’s a time when your loved one goes through episodes of shock, disbelief, loneliness, sadness and depression. Even though you feel there’s nothing you can do, don’t go silent or give up on trying. 

If someone you care about is grieving from a loss, here are some ideas on how to support them through the grief process. 

Be There for Your Loved One

Try to reach out to your loved one who’s grieving. Being there for them can be as simple as checking in with a phone call or being physically present. You don’t even have to say or do anything. You simply have to be there. 

Your non-verbal presence will show your friend that they are not alone. Your loved one needs to know they can reach out to you if they ever need to talk or your help with something. 

Buy Personalized Memorial Gifts

One way to show support for a friend who’s grieving is to get them a sympathy gift. Small gestures like buying personalized remembrance gifts will go a long way to show the bereaved that they are not alone in their grief. You can get your loved one a personalized ornament or necklace to honor the memory of the departed. 

Offer Your Support

Ask your loved one if there is anything you can do to support. Or, if you feel awkward asking, just read the room and offer to take up the day-to-day chores available. You can help with cleaning the house, picking the kids from school, or making funeral arrangements. 

Offering your practical support will give your loved one a break. It will free them from worries like serving the guests, feeding the pets or writing the eulogy. 

Be Willing to Listen or Sit in Silence

If your friend wants to talk about the times they’ve spent with the departed, be willing to listen. Don’t steer the conversation away just because it is painful and uncomfortable. Talking is a way of accepting and processing the death of someone. It will help overcome the grief process. 

But if your loved one doesn’t feel like talking, just sit with them in silence. You don’t have to feel the silence with conversation. Your presence will be comforting enough. 

Understand and Accept Your Loved One’s Grieving Process

Everyone grieves differently. Some people want to be alone. Others get angry, while others go through episodes of crying. 

Let your loved one go through the grief process in the way they know. Don’t judge or tell them how they should act. 

To Sum Up

If someone you love is grieving from a loss, make an effort to support them in whichever way you can. You can offer your practical support. You can get them a personalized sympathy gift or even be physically present. 

Your support will go a long way to console and help start the healing process.