How To help Someone Who Is Experiencing Grief

You want to be there for them, but you’re not quite sure how to do that.

When you try to offer them help or support, they seem to push you away. You know that they shouldn’t be left alone right now, but you also don’t want to overstep.

Maybe they want a little alone time. Maybe they need the time to themself to process on their own.

You know they’re hurting. You’re worried you’re going to say or do the wrong thing and make matters worse for them.

Here’s how to help someone who is experiencing grief.

Don’t Rush Them

Grief is a complicated emotion. Even if you’ve experienced grief on your own before, your situation will not be an exact match to someone else’s. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a right way or a wrong way to grieve. Each person has to experience grief and process their thoughts, feelings, and emotions in their own way. Grief takes time. Don’t rush them through their healing process.

Be Open and Honest

Navigating grief can be challenging for the person experiencing it and friends and family members who want to do and say the right things. Be open and honest with them. Tell them you’re there for them whenever and however they need you to be. Admit that you’re not quite sure how to navigate this. Explain that you want to support them, but you don’t want to make things worse. Sometimes being a little vulnerable can open up more doors than trying to act like you know what you’re doing when you don’t.

Just Listen

Even if you have the best intentions, sometimes it’s better to just listen. Be there for the person grieving and allow them a safe and open space to talk about their feelings. Avoid trying to explain the loss that occurred or even offering advice. In some cases, words can actually fall short and make the person feel worse in the long run. Just listening shows that you’re being respectful of them and their grieving process.

Be There for Them

Sometimes helping someone who is experiencing grief just means being there for them. You can show support by helping them with day-to-day tasks that they may be avoiding. Go to the grocery store for them. Cook them meals and store them in their fridge so they have something to eat on hand. Do their laundry. Offer to babysit their kids or watch their pets if they have any. Offer help with specific tasks instead of having them tell you what they need help with.

Invite Them to Be Social

Grief can cause a person to withdraw and self-isolate. This can cause friends and family members to stop inviting them to hang out because they assume the person will say no. Don’t assume that the answer will always be no. Don’t stop inviting your friend to hang out and be social. When they’re ready and able, they will say yes again. Give them the necessary time and space, but don’t stop talking to them or trying to get them to be social. Your friendly push could be exactly what they need to start feeling a little better again.

Encourage Them to Take Action

You should never rush anyone through a grieving process, but you can encourage them to seek extra help and support. Let them know that you’re there for them if and when they’re ready. Kindly suggest that reaching out to an outside third party may be beneficial for them. A therapist is a great way for the person to express their thoughts and feelings in a safe, judgment-free environment.

If you or a loved one is experiencing grief, therapy may be a great option. Reach out to us today if you’re interested in learning more about starting the healing process with the help of grief therapy.