Helping a Grieving Spouse
It can be very worrying to see your spouse going through a tough time after losing someone they loved. Many people feel helpless, since not everyone knows how to offer the kind of comfort that their loved one needs. If you are going through this and you are worried about how to best help your spouse, Delmar, NY funeral homes and cremation providers can offer some of the most important tips you should keep in mind.
Probably the most vital thing you can offer your loved one is patience. Grief takes its own pace and it is different for everyone. Your spouse might pressure themselves to start acting more normally, so it is up to you to let them know that they can mourn for as long as it is necessary. Offering patience is one crucial gift you can provide your spouse during this time.
You should let them know that they can speak with you about what they are feeling. Some people are afraid to express themselves for fear of burdening their spouse or friends, so take the time to let your loved one know you welcome the conversation. It may not seem like something hugely important to you, but to your spouse, knowing that you are there to listen at any time can make all of the difference.
Offer concrete help. This can mean running errands for your spouse, cooking meals, or even taking condolence calls for them. Going through grief can leave a person drained of energy, so your loved one may not want to do any of these things. By offering to take them off their hands, you will be providing a huge help.
Another important way that you can help your spouse is to make certain they are taking care of their own wellbeing. Someone going through a mourning period may not want to eat or may have trouble sleeping. You should encourage your loved one to stick to a normal eating and sleeping schedule. Help them relax, too, by offering to run baths for them, to make tea, or anything that can provide comfort and a sense of pampering. By ensuring that they stay healthy and that they have as little stress as possible, you will be helping them heal.
You should expect mood swings and difficulties sleeping and eating, but all of these tips can help the process of healing begin. It can be debilitating to see a spouse struggle with grief and you may even find that you are succumbing to the sadness yourself. By keeping these things in mind, you will be ready to help as much as possible so that your loved one can start feeling more like themselves. If you do notice that your loved one is struggling too much, contact a funeral home in Delmar, NY for information about grief counseling. A company like McVeigh Funeral Home, Inc., located at 208 N Allen St Albany, NY 12206, can be of great help. Give them a call at (518) 489-0188.
