How to help a grieving family member
Losing a loved one changes a person’s life and it’s hard to know how to help a grieving family member and provide support and consolation, especially when their mental health is low. What helps deal with grief? Do you know what to say to someone grieving?
When learning how to help someone grieving, there isn’t really a manual out there to stop you from saying the wrong thing either. There are various options to help grieving friends or family dealing with this tough time and to provide some sort of comfort for grief. If you know a family member who needs grief support, here are some suggestions by Cosmopolitan Funeral Services about things to do to help a grieving family member:
How to help a grieving family member – Listen to what people have to say
Comfort for the bereaved person may be as simple as listening, which may be the best thing to do for a mourning friend or family member who needs to vent. It is impossible to take away the grieving person’s grief, but just being there to listen may provide them immense comfort.
If the person who died had suffered from drug abuse, for example, it’s important not to talk about how drug abuse kills because it’s not helpful and grieving people don’t need a Captain Obvious in this situation. Be mindful of the bereaved’s state of mind and ask if they need anything. Your job is to support the grieving process with care and empathy.
How do you comfort a grieving family member? Respect the mourning process
When considering what to do to help a grieving family member, there isn’t a right or wrong method. Each person grieves in a unique and personal manner, but loss is a universally felt emotion. Support grieving by respecting their boundaries, being reactive and allowing them time to mourn. No words of ‘shouldn’t you be over it now?’ will help – it will never help.
How to comfort a grieving family member – accept their mood fluctuations
Be prepared for the emotional difficulties that accompany someone who is grieving. Many people compare the experience of grieving to riding a roller coaster. As someone grieving the loss of a loved one, you may find them in a state of emotional turmoil. This is an ordinary reaction to the loss of a loved one.
How do you help a grieving family member? Avoid advising others
The grieving person will appreciate it if you stay away from providing directives on what to do or not to do. Though it’s a good idea, such advice might make the individual grieving feel worse. Instead, express your sympathy and acknowledge the enormity of the person’s loss. To express your sympathy for their situation, you may say:
“I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you and your family.”
What you can do to help a grieving family – stop making excuses for the setback.
In certain circumstances, words intended to comfort the grieving individual might have the opposite impact. You should refrain from expressing statements like:
“Your loved one is in a better place.”
“God’s will,”
“At least she or he isn’t suffering anymore.”
It’s more beneficial to listen rather than just say what has to be said.
How to help someone who is grieving – practical help is always appreciated
Helping a grieving individual with everyday tasks such as grocery shopping and cooking meals may be a great relief. It’s better to give help with particular activities than to say:
“Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.”
What to say when someone is grieving – offer heartfelt expressions of gratitude
It’s normal to have difficulty finding the words to express yourself. Often, the best words are the simplest ones. Saying something like, “I’m very sorry for your loss,” or anything like that might be suitable here. Enquire, “How can I help?” The most important thing is that you are concerned and want to help, regardless of how reluctant you are. The grieving individual will likely appreciate your earnest attempts to be sympathetic.
How do you comfort a grieving family member? – the final advice
Supporting the grieving person might be difficult, since you don’t want to seem intrusive. So, avoid instructing the other what to do by expressing yourself instead.
FAQ
Do you have any words of comfort for the loss of a family member?
Another question asked was, ‘While grieving, what is something comforting that someone could say or do for you?’ and ‘How can I help a grieving family member?’
How to comfort someone who is grieving through text?
It might be tough to offer support via text message, but it’s better than nothing. Grief comfort can be sending information about grief support groups that your family member can go to and/or simply saying you’ll be there for them when they need you. Empathy is key here, so keep it simple and if you can, offer your help and a time and date they can reach out to you in person/via phone call.
What to say to someone who lost a family member?
Other questions asked were:
- How to talk to someone who lost a family member?
- How to comfort someone who lost a loved one?
- What to say to someone who is grieving
When considering how to help someone that is grieving, note the following:
“Say how sorry you are. …
Share a memory. …
Offer them space to talk. …
Tell them however they feel is OK. …
Recognise how hard it is for them. …
Ask if there is anything they need. …
Tell them you’re thinking of them. …
Sometimes you don’t need to say anything.
https://www.sueryder.org/how-we-can-help/bereavement-information/supporting-someone-else/what-to-say
How to support a grieving partner?
“Write them a sympathy card. …
Give them blocks of time for self-care. …
Do one of their chores for a while. …
Give them flowers. …
Ask your spouse, “how are you really?” every evening, and listen to understand. …
Increase your affection/touch.”
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/joyful-parenting/201912/7-practical-ways-support-grieving-spouse
Comforting quotes for a friend who is grieving
Other questions asked were:
- How to comfort someone who lost a friend
- How to help a friend who is grieving
- How to help a grieving friend
“Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.”
I wish you healing and peace.”
I hope you feel surrounded by much love.”
We are so sorry for your loss.”
We are thinking of you during these difficult times.”
https://www.shutterfly.com/ideas/sympathy-quotes-and-sayings/
What are five ways to support a grieving person?
Other questions asked were, ‘What are 3 things you can do to comfort a grieving person?’, ‘How can you help others cope with death?’ and ‘How to comfort a grieving friend.’
Talk about it. It is normal to feel scared about making things more difficult or painful.
Make promises that you can keep.
Stay in touch. …
Remember that everyone experiences grief differently. …
Give them time.
https://stclarehospice.org.uk/news_posts/5-ways-support-grieving-friend-relative/
What can I take to a grieving family besides food?
Other questions asked were, ‘What to take when visiting a grieving family member?’ and ‘Another question asked was, ‘What to get a grieving family member?’
Household Necessities. …
Sympathy Cards and Flowers. …
Engravable Photo Frame. …
Care Package with Self-Care Items. …
Engravable Granite Plaque. …
Gift Card for Practical Needs or Self-Care.
https://www.geturns.com/blogs/news/10-things-to-take-to-a-grieving-family
How can I start the grief process for the loss of a loved one when I still can’t even process that they are gone?
Other questions were, ‘How do I get over a parent’s death?’, ‘How do you get over grief after it has been years?’ and ‘What can you do to help with grief?’.
“Inevitably, the grieving process takes time. Healing happens gradually; it can’t be forced or hurried—and there is no “normal” timetable for grieving. Some people start to feel better in weeks or months. For others, the grieving process is measured in years. Whatever your grief experience, it’s important to be patient with yourself and allow the process to naturally unfold.”
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/coping-with-grief-and-loss.htm
*Collaborative feature post*
