Helping Someone Who is Grieving

What You Can Do To Help

  • Encourage expression of thoughts and feelings by trying “Do you feel like talking?” “I don’t know what to say, but I care.” “Please don’t worry if you cry in front of me.”

  • Help create rituals

  • Help recall good times

  • Help put regrets into perspective

  • Urge person to look to their faith community and/or a grief professional

  • Encourage person to consider a support group

  • Plan for difficult times/dates (anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, mealtimes)

  • Help clean out loved one’s things and use time to reminisce

  • Suggest writing a letter to the loved one, or keeping a journal

  • Don’t be afraid to have a good time or to laugh

  • Share favorite quotations, words of encouragement

  • Encourage person to take care of their health

  • Help shop, cook, write thank you notes

  • Be patient. Grief takes time. Avoid saying things like “you should be getting on with your life.”

  • Just sit