Helping a loved one cope with loss

Grief is a horrible feeling and something that you wouldn’t want your worst enemy to go through. Unfortunately, death does happen and will happen to all of us, but what is important is being there for the people you love when they do have to go through it. A friend may have lost their nan, or your parents may have lost their mum. Whatever the situation, there are ways in which you can help a loved one cope with loss.

When someone close to you loses someone they love, it’s important that you are there supporting them. You could help them organise the funeral and look into the chapel of rest. You can listen to them, but without trying to fix things, as well as respecting their boundaries (sometimes people want to be left alone, even when you think being there could help). 

Below, we have put together a quick guide on helping a loved one cope with loss. Keep on reading to learn more. 

Listen to them without trying to fix things 

When someone has experienced a loss, they sometimes don’t need a solution or anything to be done; they just need to be listened to. They might want to reminisce about the person they have lost, and they might feel deep, intense feelings such as anger that they’re now gone, fear, as well as being upset. Offer to go for a coffee or for a glass of wine with them, and just listen to what they have to say, giving a shoulder to cry on if they need it, and just letting them know you are there for them and that their feelings are valid. They will appreciate this more than you could think. 

Respect their boundaries 

People deal with grief in different ways, and there is no right or wrong way to go about it. Respect their boundaries, and if they distance themselves or don’t want to talk, let them have their space and accept that they will come to you when they are ready. They might not want to speak about what has happened, or they might need someone to talk to. Either way, do what you can to be there for them, but respect their own grief journey without judgment. 

Offer practical help 

Grief can cause a lot of exhaustion and stop you from doing your daily tasks. Things like eating can be a challenge, managing household chores, or looking after your children to the best of your ability. When supporting them, see if you can take on some of those roles to make their life easier. Maybe you could run around the house with a Hoover, or batch cook them some meals to eat during the week. 

It’s a horrible experience losing someone you love. Have you recently gone through a loss, and what helped you the most when going through your hard time? What would you suggest we add to our article to help someone who is going through a bereavement? Let us know in the comment box below. We look forward to hearing from you.

Note: This is a collaborative post