5 Ways to Support a Grieving Friend
There's no one single best thing to do when a loved one or friend is experiencing grief - everyone's experience will be deeply personal and unique to them and their circumstances.
Grief can be unexpected, raw and deeply unsettling. As a supporter, we know it's hard to know quite what to do when we see those we love going through some of the hardest times.
Throughout our 15 years of experience helping people connect with and support their loved ones during life's challenges, we've noticed a few ways to offer support to a grieving friend, that we thought might come in helpful should you find yourself supporting a loved one though this time.
Take Them Simply, Nourishing Meals
During times of grief, they might not have much of an appetite, but it will be important for them to keep eating for strength and nourishment. You might want to consider taking or sending them a meal (perhaps split into smaller portions), or something for the freezer. Even snacks can be helpful, to share with visitors or save for later when the time is right to eat.
Provide Simple Acts of Service
Often when we ask "what can I do to help?", our loved ones won't know quite what to say, or won't want to impose. Rather than asking, we would suggest preparing what you think they might need and just quietly helping out. For example, dropping a meal quietly on the doorstep, sending an unexpected care package, leaving flowers, popping on a load of laundry, or doing a grocery run. These simple acts of service can help your loved ones feel seen, without always needing to ask.
Be there to Listen and Share
Processing grief often comes in the form of sharing memories of loved ones. Being there, whether in person or via the phone or even text message, for them to share what is on their heart can help throughout the grieving process. Likewise, you could share your own memories of their loved one. You don't always need to have the right thing to say back - just being there to listen is what counts.
Keep in touch and Follow Up
Keep in touch and Follow Up
Over the coming months and even years, don't avoid talking or asking about their grief. Keep asking how they are doing, even when it seems like a long time has passed, as you can be sure they will still be processing their grief for years to come.
We hope this little round up of ideas has helped give you some suggestions of our best ways to support a grieving friend. Trust us in saying that even by asking this question, you are already being a wonderful friend and we know they will be so grateful to have you in their life.