When you’ve finally found a partner, it can be difficult to imagine life without them. If you’ve just witnessed a friend or relative lose their spouse, know that they need your support now more than ever. Use the following grief support guide to help them heal at a healthy, steady pace.

How to Provide Grief Support to Someone Who Lost Their Spouse

1. Recognize Their Pain

When you hear the news, let your friend know that you recognize their grief, but don’t try to convince them that it’s not a big deal. Even if you’ve experienced the same situation, avoid phrases like “I know how you feel,” as these may seem to trivialize their pain. By recognizing your friend’s experience as unique, you can help them with the first stage of healing: acceptance.

2. Express Your Willingness to Help

Just because you know you would do anything for your friend doesn’t mean they feel comfortable assuming that. Let them know you’re willing to offer help in whatever shape or form they desire—from home-cooked meals and folded laundry to long walks and talks. In the early stages of mourning, they may be too consumed by recent events to tackle everyday tasks on their own.

3. Direct Them to Other Resources

As much as you may care about your grieving loved one, your help can only go so far. If you see them shifting from initial sadness into an enduring depression, you may need to bring someone else into the equation. Accompanying them to a grief support meeting or arranging an appointment with a therapist could do wonders for their healing process and help them see the joy in life again.

If your friend has just lost their spouse, turn to Willow Funeral Home, LLC This esteemed company has been serving residents of the Willow Springs, MO, area for over 100 years. To learn more about their grief support services for a mourning friend, call (417) 469-3141 at any time. You can also visit their website for more information on memorial services and funeral arrangements.