Dealing with the loss of a loved one brings a great deal of grief that continues long after the funeral ends. If you know someone who has recently lost a loved one, it’s important to show your support without judgment, as well as to encourage them to use grief counseling resources as needed. Below is a list of some helpful tips show compassion and sensitivity around a grieving friend.  

How to Help a Friend Deal With Loss

1. Be There

Remember never to avoid a friend who’s suffered a loss. Even if grief may scare or overwhelm you, frequent contact via texting, calls, emails, and letters can make your friend feel supported. If you don’t know what to say, something as simple as “I’m sorry” or “I’m here for you” can help remind them they’re not alone.

2. Listen

While it can be beneficial to share personal experiences about loss from your own life, avoid the urge to tell your friend how they should feel. Don’t tell them not to cry and avoid comparing their loss to that of a pet or a romantic break up in your past. Grief is unique to each person, and everyone has their own journey through it. The best advice is to simply listen to what your friend has to say without judgement.

3. Offer To Help

The first few days after a loss can leave loved ones in a daze. Particularly if your friend is the person arranging funeral services, it can be challenging for them to tackle everyday tasks, like cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, or even caring for their young children or pets. Offering to help take on some of these responsibilities can give your friend time to process their feelings, while also ensuring their health is maintained during this overwhelming time.

4. Provide Resources

Remember that grief continues even after the funeral is over. Your friend may struggle with their loss for months or even years. Taking the time to do some research on their behalf and presenting them with resources like local grief counseling services can provide them with the additional support they need to continue moving forward in life.

If your friend is searching for a compassionate funeral home to help celebrate their loved one’s life, encourage them to turn to Abriola Parkview Funeral Home in Trumbull, CT. Providing quality funeral services to the residents of the Greater Bridgeport community since 1906, we’re dedicated to creating an oasis of calm and healing to every client. We’ll guide you step by step during this challenging time, with a variety of helpful services, including ceremonies and burials, cremation options, writing eulogies and obituaries, and finding local florists and hotels. To learn more about grief counseling visit our website.