They need to come to terms with their loss, move beyond the trauma, and go on their journey to healing.
Dealing with grief takes time, so do not expect too much in too little time. They must focus on the process and the journey rather than the destination. They need to express how hurt and sad they are.
Just as we laugh when we are happy, we must allow ourselves to suffer during our loss. We will not get through this challenging phase unless we allow grief to overwhelm us.
Tips to help support a bereaved person
1. Try not to talk about how you feel in a similar situation
Although this is usually goodwill, it can diminish the importance of the person's recent feelings of loss and make them withdraw from the conversation.
2. Never try to change how a person feels
Sadness needs to be expressed, just like happiness. We need to feel our grief, talk about it, and share it to help reduce its weight. Sad people do not need you to agree with them or understand them. They only need you to listen and accept their words without analyzing or justifying them.
When they talk about how they feel, they release their feelings. They do not need to address their problem but only listen to them because listening is one of the most important things you can do to help them.
3. Try not to say, “Tell me if you need anything”
Because they will not. Instead, gently put what you say into action, like when you say, "I'd like to cook for you. Is Wednesday okay for you? Or, "I am shopping on Saturday, what can I get for you? "These shows are great for someone who feels sad. Offer a specific time to take their pet for a walk or other business, etc. Actual help can say more than just words, and it can take the stress out of worrying about saying the wrong thing.
4. Do not be afraid to mention the name of the deceased person
Although this may arouse the tears of the bereaved person, that is okay. Mentioning their names will open a conversation, and when we retrieve memories, we may find something that makes us laugh. Healing begins when we share our memories.
5. Continue
Do not be on their side only in the early days and disappear when it seems as if life has returned to normal. Life will not return to normal until a long time passes, so keep in touch with them and keep talking and sharing.
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