When someone you know or care about is going through the grief of a deceased loved one, it can be hard to figure out what to say. We often find it tricky to find the right comforting words, especially when we haven’t gone through the experience before.
It would help if you found the right words to express sympathy and be there for them in person for support. Let them know that you care about them and lend a shoulder to cry.
Here are some ways you can help a bereaved closed one cope with the grief.
Help with the Funeral
Contact the bereaved person as soon as you hear about the loss. You need to help them arrange the funeral or memorial service as they are usually unable to do it themselves. Since you need to be by their side through the problematic event, in this case, you can call for sympathy gifts delivery to express your deepest condolences.
The bereaved person is often so lost in their thoughts they even forget to eat proper meals. Make sure to bring them food in the first few days of the funeral. If you are unsure how to help them, ask your grieving friend, relative, or colleague.
Know What To Say
Listen to them rather than talk about your experience. Your loved one might express sadness by crying on some days while staying silent on others. Being present for them and listening to them talk about the deceased can be a huge source of healing and comfort.
Since your loved one would not feel the same way about the loss, you might be unaware of their feelings on some days. Rather than assuming their emotions, you can ask them about their real feelings.
Offer Practical Help
Your close friend or family can not carry out everyday life activities after the sudden loss. You need to put forward your lending hand and be consistent in your assistance. Here are some ways you can help:
- Help them with housework when they are unable to.
- Stay a few days in their home to deal with guests and phone calls.
- Pick and drop their children from school.
- Drop off their favorite food to cheer them up.
Look Out for Signs of Depression
There are often signs of confusion, depression, and sadness after the death of a loved one. The grieving family often feels disconnected from others. Stay by their side and monitor whether their mental condition improves with time or worsens. If it does not improve with time, it indicates a severe problem that could be clinical depression.
You should encourage the grieving person to seek medical help if you notice some of the alarming signs of depression, such as,
- They are unable to perform daily life activities.
- Often express anger and bitterness.
- They are drawn towards alcohol or drug abuse to seek comfort.
- Feel hopeless and distant from others.