How Can You Help a Friend as they go Through the Stages of Grief?

It’s not easy to see a friend and loved one go through grief. You want to help them, support them, and comfort them, but don’t know the right way to go about it. Every individual has a different way of dealing with grief and there’s no set timeline, method, or guideline. Many are forced to sit back and watch as their loved one struggles through the pain on their own. At Arbutus Funeral Service, we believe the suggestions mentioned below can help:

1. Speak about it

It might seem easier to stay silent because you don’t want to cause the grieving friend more pain or heartache by acknowledging the loss. But that’s not always a good idea and can make your interactions with them stilted and uneasy. Acknowledge the loss and ask if they need any help. Let them know they can call you at any time and you will listen to them rant, rage, cry, and just vent.

2. When you offer help, do it

Many people offer help but can’t provide assistance when it is needed. That can do more harm than good so if you have offered help, make sure you’re able to provide it. If you can’t fulfill what you promised, don’t offer. For example, it’s easy to say “do you want me to come over” and expect your friend to refuse. But sometimes your friend might just need your presence immediately and they’ll say “yes, please come over.” If you can’t go, you will end up hurting the person you’re trying to help.

3. Give them their space

Some people need company and support while some people just want to be alone while they recover from their grief. Give them the space to grieve at their own pace.

Have any questions about grief, cremation and related funeral services, just contact us or give us a call (604) 888-9895. We at Arbutus Funeral Service will be happy to help.