How do you help a bereaved friend or relative?

February 16, 2023

Losing a loved one is a difficult and emotional experience, and it can be challenging to know how to support a bereaved friend or relative.

Here are just a few ways you can help:

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Be present and listen: Sometimes the most helpful thing you can do is to simply be there for your friend or relative and truly listen to them. Allow them to express their emotions and feelings without judgment.

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Offer practical assistance: Offer to help with practical tasks, such as grocery shopping or cooking, as these tasks may be overwhelming for your friend during their grieving process.

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Share memories: Share happy memories of their loved one, but only if they seem open to talking about it. This can help them remember the positive times and keep their loved one's memory alive.

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Check in regularly: Grief can be a long and isolating process. Make sure to check in on your friend regularly and continue to be there for them as they navigate their emotions.

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Respect their grief: Everyone processes grief differently, and it's important to respect your friend's grieving process. Allow them to take the time they need and avoid making judgments or comparisons to other people's experiences.

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Encourage professional help: If your friend is struggling with their grief or is experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues, encourage them to seek professional help from a therapist or counsellor.

At the end of the day, what you have to remember is that the most important thing you can do is to be there for your friend or relative and support them in the way that feels best for them. There's no right or wrong way, it's just about being there if they need you.

If you need professional support good websites include:

Cruse Bereavement Support: https://www.cruse.org.uk/