How To Support A Grieving Friend

By: Ian Elliott
Friday, February 15, 2019

It can be very painful to look at a friend in grief. Your heart goes out to them and you genuinely want to offer help. They too may be yearning for support to face the difficult time but may not be able to express it. You too often don’t know how to tackle the situation and are lost about what help to give. Here are a few tips on how to support a grieving friend:

1. Determine What Kind of Help Is Needed

Before you decide to extend any help to your grieving friend, ascertain the kind of help needed. The required support can be emotional, financial, physical work or something else. You can find out what it is by silently observing the situation and identifying the gaps in support. You can then determine your role in filling those gaps.

2. Never Make Empty Promises

It is important to provide immediate support to a grieving friend. But it’s also critical to offer help that you are capable of extending rather than making empty promises. For example, if you promise to be available any time of the day and night, think whether you can do that. If you genuinely want to help your friend, be honest about it.

3. Avoid Being Overbearing

It is necessary to ensure that the support offered is not forced. Observe and listen to what your friend really needs. It is helpful to provide space to the grieving person. You can offer your shoulder to cry on, only if your friend desires it. Your help to a grieving friend needs to be soothing rather than overwhelming. Accept their wishes as final without judging them.

4. Be A Gap-filler

Some members in your grieving friend’s family need a respite by sharing their responsibilities with someone willing to help. You can fulfill the role of a gap-filler.

If you have any questions about grief counselling services in the area, or would like to learn about our funeral services, don't hesitate to give us a call at (604) 888-9895, or reach out via our online form. We at Arbutus Funeral Service will be happy to help.

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