How to Comfort Grieving Loved Ones

Grief is one of the most difficult emotions a person can experience in life and can be overwhelming when a person unexpectedly loses a loved one. Friends or family members may experience a variety of behaviors and emotions commonly associated with grief, including denial, guilt, anger and depression. They may also have difficulty coping with daily life during this time. If you have a loved one who is grieving, it's important to recognize the different stages of grief, be extremely supportive and empathetic, assist with practical activities and offer comfort in any way possible.

Instructions

• 1

  Call your grieving loved one and offer your condolences. Assure your loved one that you will support them in any way possible. Sending flowers, a card or a comforting handwritten letter is a thoughtful way of showing your support.

• 2

  Familiarize yourself with the different stages of grief, including shock and denial, depression, guilt, anger and acceptance. Though the grieving process differs for every individual, a multiplicity of emotions arises when a person's partner or loved one passes. After losing someone they were very close to, your loved one may become depressed and angry. Defensive mechanisms can also emerge and your loved one may try to push you away. Acknowledging and understanding the common grieving stages can better aid you in comforting your loved one in a time of need. Depending on your loved one's loss, the grieving period may last for as long as two years.

• 3

  Listen to your loved one if they are willing to talk. Since everyone exhibits different grieving emotions and behaviors, your loved may or may not be willing to express how they feel. If they are willing to confide in you and express their thoughts and emotions, be mindful of their circumstances. Do not pass judgment or interrupt your loved one when they are confiding in you. If your loved one is not ready to talk, do not pressure them to speak. However, be sure to let your loved one know that you will be there when they are ready to talk.

• 4

  Assist your loved one with different activities and duties, such as cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, paying bills or running errands. If funeral arrangements have not been made, offer to help. Throughout this time of grief, your loved one may not have the energy or motivation to complete practical tasks. Offering to help in practical ways is a thoughtful and supportive gesture.

• 5

  Spend time with your loved one and continue to stay in contact during their grieving period. They may become distant, so it's important to consistently check in on your loved one and extend your support. Spending time with your loved one will also help you observe how well they are dealing with the grief.

• 6

  Observe warning signs of depression including excessive withdrawal from friends and family members, inability to function on a daily basis, alcohol or drug abuse, extreme weight loss, sleeplessness or talks of suicide. If your loved one exhibits any of these symptoms, encourage them to seek professional help from a grief counselor, psychologist or support group. To avoid an extreme reaction from your loved one, express your concern for their well-being in a loving, thoughtful manner. You do not want your loved one to feel offended when you ask that they seek outside help.