Watching a person you love mourn a loss can be difficult. Of course, you likely want to do everything possible to make this time easier for them. But how do you know how to help them in a way that’s both effective and respectful? There are many different ways to comfort a mourning friend, from accompanying them to the funeral home to helping out with household chores. Here are three ways to give someone you care about a bit of solace during their period of mourning. 

3 Helpful Actions to Take When a Friend Is in Mourning

1. Accompany Them to the Funeral Home

For those in mourning, that first appointment to the funeral home could be the toughest. This is often where the reality of the loss sets in, making it an emotional and overwhelming experience. Offer to attend this appointment with your friend to provide some assistance. Don’t worry about making decisions or handling billing — simply being there to take notes and offer insight when needed will do wonders.

2. Let Them Lead the Conversation

As a third-party observer, it might feel difficult to come up with the right words to comfort your friend. You might wonder whether you should bring up the departed individual or avoid the subject. In these cases, the best approach is to follow your friend’s lead. If they broach the topic, be an active listener and try to be authentic about your support. You can make it clear that even though you don’t know exactly what they’re going through, you care for them and want to help however you can. However, if they don’t bring up the person who passed, don’t force them into a conversation. 

3. Pick Up Some Slack

Your friend is spending much of their time notifying people about the passing, making arrangements with the funeral home, and caring for their family. As a result, they may feel overwhelmed with their day-to-day responsibilities. Picking up some of these chores is an excellent way to alleviate some of that burden without overstepping any boundaries. Offer to do some cooking, cleaning, or laundry to give them a bit more time to grieve and process everything that has happened. 

If you or someone you know recently lost a loved one and are looking for a qualified funeral home to handle the arrangements, turn to the compassionate team at Hardwick & Sons Funeral Home in Chattanooga, TN. As a family owned and operated business with almost a century of experience, they have the insight and expertise needed to guide you through this difficult time with kindness and clarity. Visit their website for more information on their services, and call (423) 267-1244 to discuss your needs today.