Four Ways You Can Help a Friend through Their Grief
Has your friend just lost a loved one? Do you struggle to be supportive for friends that have recently gone through traumatic or difficult situations? Whether your friends are dealing with loss, trauma, or difficult times, you will want to be there for them in any way that you can. Showing support is a great way to show them that they are not alone, even if you cannot find the words to express your sympathy. As experts in women’s therapy in Winter Garden, we can provide you with some simple tips to support those in your life. These are a few ways that you can support a friend through their grief.
Be There
One of the best things you can do for a friend that is grieving is simply to be there for them. If they have lost someone close to them, show them support by going to the funeral and any events. Ask them if they want you to come over in the following days so that they do not feel alone or isolated. You do not have to talk, but you just need to be there for them when they need you.
Make Them Food
When someone is grieving, they often forget about basic care, like eating, hygiene, and self-care. Providing them with prepared meals or delivering takeout food, you can help to make sure that they are still eating during these tough times. Grief can cause people to lose the motivation to want to cook or clean their homes, so be there for them to help make sure that they are still staying healthy, eating, and keeping their spaces functional.
Listen to Them
Even if you do not know what to say, you need to be there to listen to them when they want to talk. They may want to talk about their loved ones or their traumatic experience, or they may want to talk about anything but that. When you are trying to support them, you need to follow their lead with the conversation. Be empathetic and positive, but also do not bring up anything too sensitive if they are straying from those topics.
Stay Connected
Some people that are dealing with grief and going through difficult times will just want to be left alone. This is their way to cope. Even if they do not want to see anyone at this time, you should make sure to stay connected by sending messages or calling them when you know they are free. Leave meals at their doorstep and let them know that you are there when they are ready.
By doing these simple things, you can help your friend through their grief and difficult times. Once they have overcome these obstacles in their life, they will be thankful for friends like you. If you are struggling through your own tough times or need help in being supportive, consider talking to experts in women’s therapy in Winter Garden. Contact us to hear about our approaches to therapy today.
