How to truly support yourself and others at a time of grief
Grief. It can take so many forms and you often don't know how you'll react until you're living through it. That's OK. There are no wrong or right ways to approach grief. All you can do is try to deal with your feelings in a way that feels right to you.
If you're trying to support a family member or friend, figuring out the right things to say or do can seem daunting. Luckily, you've already taken the first step towards helping them, simply through the act of caring. But sometimes, you might wish to do a little more to show support.
Some people feel a sense of support through a thoughtful gift like a card or flowers. Others respond better to you just taking the time to sit, reflect and share stories with them.
Help may be just a click away.
The emotional upheaval these trying times can cause is sometimes so overwhelming that even the support of friends and family may not help relieve the amount of sadness and grief you feel.
At Simplify Cremations & Funerals we offer the following grief resources:
- Center for Loss & Transition
A leading provider of information and inspiration in the areas of illness and dying, loss and grief, healthy caregiving, life transition, and spirituality. - Sesame Street’s When Families Grieve
Educational content and interactive activities to help support children through their grief. - GriefPlan.com
Videos, resources, newsletter, and an online therapeutic grief program created by Dr. Jason Troyer. - National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
Committed to improving end of life care and expanding access to hospice care with the goal of profoundly enhancing quality of life for people dying in America and their loved ones.
Support your family, even the littlest ones.
Children may not understand the details and specifics, but they can often surprise you with their sensitivity and instinctual way of detecting grief. As the adult, you want to find ways to help them celebrate the life of your loved one and enjoy happy memories and stories.
The most important way to support your family is to simply listen to them and pay close attention to the feelings and needs of younger ones. If you sense any serious change in behavior, talk to them to try to get to the root of their feelings.
For additional help, refer to this great resource from Sesame Street, which will help your family move forward in a healthy and educated manner.
- The child of a worker who is under 18, years old.
- Workers’ children under 19 and attending a full-time elementary or high school.
- Children over 18 and who are disabled before 22 years old are eligible.
Learn about each and every way you can support others.
Supporting your friends and family does not have to be complicated. Here are just a few powerful ways you can show support to your loved ones during this difficult time:
- Share memories. Stories and memories can be incredibly cathartic during difficult times.
- Be there for them whenever possible, whether it's as a shoulder to cry on or to help them prepare for a service.
- Listen. All too often, we forget how important just listening can be.
- Give a small gift to show your love and support. It could be flowers, a favorite food, or a book that brings them joy. Small gifts show that you're there, thinking of them.
Get additional resources about support.
No one should have to experience grief alone. If you're having a hard time, reach out to friends and family and let them know that you need them there. There's no shame in asking for help.
If you want to help support a loved one in need, just let them know that you're there for them, at any hour, for anything.
Has a death occurred?
At Simplify, we not only help with your preplanning needs, but also when you find yourself dealing with the unexpected loss of a loved one. Our dignified and simple approach allows you to care for your lost loved one, all while keeping in mind your specific limitations as they arise. Find out how Simplify can help ease the pains of planning your farewell.
