COVID-19 has hit many people in the most horrendous way. Losing someone is never a nice thing to go through, and talking to someone who is grieving can be extremely difficult. It may be that you are worried about what to say and if you should be getting in touch. However, the support of family and friends can help the person grieving feel loved and supported, especially when it comes to things like talking to the funeral directors and making other arrangements.
How Can I Help? Is a common question when you are thinking about approaching someone who may need support. If you’re looking to support someone who is grieving, have a look at some of the ideas below:
Getting in Touch
You may find that you avoid someone without realising it, especially if you are worried about saying the wrong things, making them feel worst, or not knowing what to say at all. However, your support could really help them. People who are grieving often say the worst thing that someone could do is say nothing at all.
Listen to as Well as Talk to Them
Allowing your bereaved family member or friend r to talk about the person who died can be a great help to enable them to cope with their grief. So, if they want to talk about the person they have lost, don’t try to change the subject. Listen to what they have to say and join in. On the other hand, some people may not want to talk at all and find that just having people in the same room reassuring.
Let Them Express
Try to provide an environment where they can feel safe and express what they are feeling. They may experience a range of different emotions, some may be unexpected such as anger or relief, especially if the person was in pain. Some people who are tackling grief, swing between emotions, grieving, and getting on with their lives. Some may want to try and move on a get on with things as quickly as possible as a way of dealing with the grief they are feeling.
Be Patient
In first days, weeks and months after the death, the person may have a lot of practical things they need to sort out. This is the time that most people make themselves available for the support that is needed. However, there is no time limit to someone grieving and your friends or family members might not be ready to cry about it for months after, maybe even years. It may be a good idea to make a note of things like birthdays or anniversaries as these could be trigger days.
People who are grieving, often feel vulnerable and don’t like to ask for help when they are feeling this way. Let them know that you are them for them and be mindful for changes in their mood. Bereaved people experience a lot of different emotions, this can make it difficult to be around them, however, you should try not to take any anger personally and just give them space.
