Watching a friend experience loss is challenging. Often, we find ourselves unsure of what to say or do to comfort them. Some of the most effective grief support strategies are also the simplest. Below, discover some practical yet powerful ways to console a friend who has lost a loved one.

How to Provide Grief Support for a Friend Who’s Lost a Loved One

1. Acknowledge the Situation

Because grief can be an uncomfortable or unfamiliar emotion, some people try to gloss over it. Even so, your friend likely wants to feel acknowledged. Tell your friend you’re sorry for their loss and don’t be afraid to use the deceased’s name. Your friend probably doesn’t want you to feel like you can never bring them up in conversation.

2. Ask How You Can Help

Sometimes, the best type of grief support is action. The death of a close family member may put a fair amount of work on your friend, from contacting relatives to making funeral arrangements. Consider bringing over meals that can be reheated easily or volunteering for errands, such as walking pets or grocery shopping. If it feels appropriate, offer to help with funeral-related tasks, such as contacting restaurants or preparing a menu for the wake.

3. Listen Without Advising

Many people grow uncomfortable with silence, but you don’t always have to have the perfect response to be supportive. Sometimes, your friend may need to talk through their feelings without receiving advice or words of wisdom. Avoid saying things like, “Everything happens for a reason,” and instead continue to lend an ear or offer a hug.

The compassionate team at Willow Funeral Home, LLC, in Howell County, MO, knows losing a loved one is never easy. For this reason, they support both surviving family members and individuals who have chosen to preplan every step of the funeral arrangement process. If you or someone you know has recently experienced loss, browse their grief support resources online or call (417) 469-3141 to speak with a funeral director.