After a family member or friend has lost someone dear to them, they can find the peace and closure they crave with the help of grief support. However, it's hard to know how to speak to someone in the midst of a painful loss. If someone you know is grieving, you can help them by following these suggestions.

How to Offer Grief Support to a Mourning Loved One

Be Understanding

The most important thing to understand about grief is that it looks different every time. People experience loss in many ways, feel and focus on various emotions, and take different amounts of time to go through the process. Don't try to push a specific timeline or method on your loved one. Instead, be understanding and accepting of their emotions, which may be extreme.

Avoid Problematic Comments

There are a few things you shouldn't say after someone has suffered a loss. Recommendations to move on or look on the bright side are dismissive of a grieving person's feelings. Religious platitudes are also ill-advised—if they share your beliefs then they already know, and if they don't, you may offend them.

Listen

The most important part of grief support isn't about what you say, it's how you listen. Don't avoid the topic of the deceased or chatter so much your loved one doesn't have the opportunity to talk. Instead, allow them to open up if they feel like it, and ask questions where it seems appropriate.

Offer Practical Help

Often, what grieving friends need more than words is help with everyday tasks. This might be as simple as running errands, cooking meals, or doing chores. Make sure to offer specific help—while it’s well-meaning to say “let me know if you need anything,” it puts the burden on the grieving party to find something for you to do.

Continue Supporting Them

Feelings of loss may be intense while planning a funeral, but they don't end after the burial. Your loved one may need help and support for a long time after the service is over. Continue to be there for your friend or family member until they're ready to move on.

Eackles-Spencer & Norton Funeral Home in Harpers Ferry, WV, provides compassionate funeral services and grief support. If you’ve suffered a loss, their experienced staff will help you through the planning process and the first stages of grief. For help with funeral planning and services, call (304) 724-6500 or review their resources online.