Ways You Can Help Yourself & People Close to You That Are Grieving

As they say, actions speak louder than words. If possible, find out how you can help those in grief by taking care of small tasks. Even small tasks like bringing food can help. Grief has a way of affecting the appetite, so do whatever you can to make them feel better. Plan ahead for common grief "triggers" such as crying, sneezing, and raging hot flashes, and prepare ahead of time.

Be willing to listen

As a friend or family member, be willing to listen to people close to you that have lost a loved one. Grief is an intensely personal experience that change quickly, but you can share your own story with the bereaved. It is important to remember, though, that no two people's experiences will be the same. When listening to someone, try not to compare your experiences with theirs. Instead, listen carefully to their story.

While offering words of comfort is important, refrain from judging their emotions. Listen compassionately and don't judge. People grieving need space to process what happened. If they do not feel comfortable talking about the death, offer companionship and low-pressure outings. Even just being there for someone who is grieving can help them heal. Be willing to listen to them and offer your undivided attention.

Offer specific help. Help with shopping and cooking. When possible, pitch in to do specific tasks for the bereaved. If you have friends or family who are handy, offer to do the laundry. Be patient and understanding. Grief is not a process with a timetable, so be aware of this before you asking to help. However, be sure to listen without judgment.

Remember that words alone can't express your feelings. When it comes to grief, actions speak louder than words. Try to find small tasks you can perform or errands that your loved one can complete. Even if it's just a few minutes, small tasks can make a world of difference. You can also bring food for them. They may need to eat something, but they are grieving.

Provide distractions

When you are helping someone who is grieving, try to be mindful of the types of things they may need. Grieving is like riding a roller coaster and while they are grieving, they may need a distraction or some time to talk about their feelings. Remember, there are no rules, so there is no need to rush in and take over their lives. It is okay to ask for help, but try to provide specific distractions.

Plan ahead for grief "triggers"

To minimize your feelings of sadness and guilt, plan ahead for certain events and milestones in your life. Holidays and special milestones can rekindle memories and feelings of loss. Talk to your family and friends about expectations and strategies for celebrating your loved one's life. It's important to remember your own health and wellness during this time. Get plenty of sleep and eat a nutritious diet, get exercise, and avoid drugs and alcohol.

The first step in coping with grief is to recognize your "triggers." These events and activities can bring up a variety of emotions, including anger, sadness, and anxiety. Holidays are particularly difficult, as they often bring powerful memories of your loved one. In addition to holiday celebrations, they can bring up an overwhelming to-do list. You may find yourself overwhelmed and unable to cope. To avoid this, make sure you plan ahead and stay out of trouble by making arrangements beforehand.

Be willing to be there for your loved one

There are countless ways you can show your support. Be sure to be available to help with errands or bring food packages if your loved one would appreciate it. While grief is a universal emotion, everyone handles it differently. There is no right or wrong way to show your support, but be ready to listen and be present during your loved one's grieving process. In this article, we'll explore some ways you can show support and provide emotional support to your loved one.

Try not to avoid the grieving person. Even if they appear to be resistant to the idea of talking about their loved one, they will likely appreciate your company. Sometimes, a grieving person may need to repeat the details of their loved one's death to themselves. This helps them process their loss and lessens the pain. Listening compassionately to what they are saying will go a long way toward healing.

Talk about your loved one's life together. Remember to focus on the good parts of your relationship. It will be helpful to write a letter to them about the good times you had together. Then, you can add to the note any time you wish. Another way to show your love for your loved one is to start a new tradition. Give to a charity, or plant a tree in honor of them.

Remember that grief is not an easy time. It may come in waves. The waves can feel intense and triggered by reminders of the loved one. Sometimes, a person may feel that their grief is never-ending. However, it tends to get smaller over time. Be patient and understand that they're grieving and will need extra time and support. Your love and support will go a long way to help them cope.

Be willing to express your feelings in a tangible or creative way

Regardless of the form of grief you experience, be willing to express your feelings in a tangible way to help people close to you who are grieving. Creative expressions of grief can include journaling, writing, calligraphy, or painting. Some people even choose to create a scrapbook in memory of their loved one. These activities can be an outlet for their grief and help them remember the good memories of their loved one.

When you are unable to speak to the person in person, write them a letter. If you are unable to share your feelings in person, a letter is a great way to share your thoughts with them. The letter doesn't need to be delivered to the person immediately; they can read it a day or two later. Some people are more open to creative expressions than others.

Grieving individuals may feel awkward or even embarrassed while talking about their emotions. However, don't avoid social contact just because you're uncomfortable. Remember, the person you're trying to comfort is reaching out to you because you care. They're asking for your support and understanding, and they're probably wondering how to respond.

Be aware that grief is an ongoing process, a personal one. Despite our best efforts, we are usually taught to dismiss the feelings we have about the death. Unfortunately, this can make the process of grieving more difficult for us. Grief often leads us to feel more isolated and alone. Anger may be directed at the person who died, others involved in the death, or ourselves. Guilt may arise over words or actions that were taken before the person’s death.

Whatever the situation try to support those close to you suffering from grief. You never know how your interaction can help a grieving friend or family member. For more help with grief and grief resources come to griefescapes.com

Written by: Coach Clinton