How To Support A Grieving Friend

Your heart breaks when you see a grieving friend. Your first thought is often "what can I do to help" or "how can I make them feel better?" Your friend too may want the support but may not always express it. Here are some suggestions on how you can extend support to them during this difficult time.

1. Type Of Help To Extend

It is very important to find out what kind of help your friend needs. This help can take different forms such as financial, emotional or even just your presence. The best option is to observe the situation, other help givers and the gaps that remain to be covered. If you can fill any of those gaps, that would be a big help.

2. Avoid Empty Promises

Your friend needs support in this trying time. Just determine the help you can definitely give rather than the promise of something you are incapable of fulfilling. If you offer to keep them company for a particular time period, ensure that you can actually make the time to do so.

3. Be Subtle In Your Help

When a person is in grief, never impose your presence or help on them. The best rule is “just watch and listen” to get the correct idea of help your friend needs. At times he or she may want to be left alone while others they may need a shoulder to cry on. In times of grief, it is better to be subtle in your help rather than to be overbearing. Just offer what your friend needs and let them know you're there for them.

If you have helped a grieving friend, how did you offer support? Tell us in the comments below.

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