How To Support A Friend In Times of Grief
Whether your friend is grieving at a funeral home in Aspen, CO , or at home long after the service is completed, loss is never easy. If you see a friend or loved one suffering through a loss, it can also be hard to know how to help. Get some inspiration with these tips:
- Don’t Avoid: It may feel easier to avoid a grieving friend, but it’s the worst thing you can do. A hug, kind word, or a supportive presence can go a long way. If you cant think of what to day, a simple “I’m sorry” is all you need.
- Let Them Cry: Crying is an important part of expressing grief, so never say “don’t cry.” Its ok to just be there when someone is crying, offering a hug or tissues, or even just a calming presence.
- Share: It can be helpful to hear similar bereavement stories; so don’t be afraid to share. It makes people feel better to know that others have gotten through the grief.
- Provide Funeral Help: It can be hard to plan and host a funeral, and help is always welcome. Even a small thing like bringing flowers or offering to go with them to sign the death certificate is meaningful.
- Support Past the Funeral: Grief doesn’t stop after the bereaved leave the funeral home, so your support shouldn’t either. Keep checking in throughout the following weeks. A phone call or a text of support is great. Don’t be offended if they don’t want to talk, as grief can make concentrating or talking difficult.
- Help With Everyday Tasks: Grief is physically and mentally debilitating, so it can be hard to accomplish seemingly easy tasks like cooking or cleaning. Help out by offering to cross things off the to-do list like grocery shopping, cooking a meal, or mowing the lawn.
- Let Them Bring Up Religion First: Don’t make it about religion until the bereaved do. Everyone has different beliefs, and you don’t want to accidentally offend.
- Laughing is Good: Don’t be afraid of making them laugh. Offer up silly stories of your day, or even happy memories of the deceased.
- Note Big Dates: Note important dates like birthdays or anniversaries, and be sure to reach out around those times for extra support down the line.
- Remind Them Grief Isn’t Short: Be sure to express that you understand the grieving process is lengthy, and that you will be there throughout. Bereaved can feel lonely or even abandoned after leaving the funeral home, so make sure they know you’re still there.
- Mention the Deceased: Don’t be afraid to talk about the deceased. You might make them cry, but that’s ok. It feels good to know that the deceased isn’t gone from everyone’s thoughts and memories.
If you want more guidance on helping friends during grief , or want to learn more about Aspen, CO funeral homes, please reach out to Brown’s Cremation & Funeral Service by visiting 904 N 7th St Grand Junction, CO 81501, or calling (970) 255-8888.
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