How to Provide Support for Someone Experiencing Grief ?

Grief can take many different forms but most share the common factor of being unbearable at the onset. It can have severe effects on one’s emotional well-being and even hinder daily life. It is important to support loved ones who might be going through grief. There are mainly five stages of Grief, that is, Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. This can be elucidated in the following commonly heard dialogues form someone dealing with grief:

Denial: "It’s hard to believe this is real; everything feels surreal right now."

Anger: "Why did this happen? It's so unfair!"

Bargaining: "If only I had done something differently, maybe things would be better."

Depression: "The sadness feels overwhelming, like there’s no way out of this pain."

Acceptance: "I’m starting to find peace, even though things will never be the same."

Grief often manifests in different forms such as emotional, physical, and even behavioural changes in oneself. Grief is unique to each person as there is no standard set for how one must go through grief. One must be wary of certain misconceptions such as, “time heals all wounds”, which is not necessarily the case for all. Usually, we grow around grief and over the years, its impact on us shrinks but appropriate help and support from close ones is required.

How to Offer Emotional Support?

-       Being Present: Sometimes, the grieving person wants our presence and not talking it out or find solutions. Just being there is reassuring for them that they are not alone in this.

-       Listening without judgment: When they are ready to talk, listen without any judgment or preconceived notions and do not jump to find solutions.

-       Validate their feelings: It is crucial to understand that we must acknowledge what they are feeling and not rush them to get over it already.

Practical Ways to Help

-      -  Offer to assist them in daily chores such as getting groceries or washing the dishes for them. These routine tasks might also be extra taxing for them in their current state.

-      -  Do remember to give them space when needed but also keep a regular check on how they are getting by.

-      -  Plan small outings like a walk in the park nearby or a quiet cup of coffee at a café can provide them with some relief.

-       - If possible, suggest some activities or hobbies that they may like.

Caring for Yourself as a Supporter

While you offer your care and support for them, make sure not to neglect your self as well in the process. Take some time off for yourself and seek out professional help if feeling too overwhelmed.

It is helpful to remind oneself that supporting someone through their grieving period is not an easy task. It requires ample amount of patience, compassion and one being available for them. Do encourage an open and honest conversation about their struggles in order to reduce any feelings of isolation they might be having.