Helping a Grieving Friend
Going through a loss can be brutal. If you have a friend who is going through mourning, they will need your help in many different ways. Most people are not sure what to say or do to make this period a bit easier on their loved ones, but there are a few things that Loudonville, NY cremation service providers recommend. A few simple things can make a huge difference in how quickly they get through such a difficult and emotional time.
Probably the most important thing you can do is reach out to the person who is grieving. Even if it is just a phone call, be sure to check in and see how they are doing. It takes very little effort on your part, but it can make a huge difference to the person who is struggling. If they want to talk, it is very important to listen carefully and attentively. Many people think that interjecting their own experiences into the conversation can help, but this is not always the case. If your friend specifically asks for your own experiences with loss, then give it to them. Otherwise, do your best to listen and offer comfort.
Be specific in your offers. It is very easy to offer help, but even a friend may feel uncomfortable asking for specific assistance. To avoid making them feel like this, offer to do household chores, or to fetch anything that they might need so that they do not have to run errands. If food shopping needs to be done, offer to do it yourself. These concrete offers are easier for people to accept and they can take a huge weight off of your friend’s shoulders so that they can focus only on healing.
You also need to make sure that the person grieving is taking care of themselves. It is very common for grief to rob people of their appetite, which can make them feel even worse. Make sure that they get nutritious meals, even if you have to bring them yourself and also that they get a good amount of sleep. If you see that they are having trouble sleeping during the night, as can many times happen after a death, urge them to take naps throughout the day. This very simple tip can make them feel much better, since the brain and the body need time to rest and process events.
All of these tips can ensure that a grieving friend has a support system they can turn to after a death. Let them know that you are there to talk, no matter at what time, and that if they need anything you can help. Offer specific help, as well, since it can be overwhelming to do even the simplest of tasks when dealing with grief. Reach out to a provider of cremation services in Loudonville, NY like McVeigh Funeral Home, Inc. to learn more about helping a grieving friend. They are located at 208 N Allen St Albany, NY 12206 and you can reach them at (518) 489-0188.
