Supporting a grieving friend is one of the most compassionate things you can do. However, it can also be difficult to know exactly how to provide comfort and assistance during such a sensitive time. Grief is complex, and what helps one person may not help another. While there is no perfect way to support someone who is grieving, there are important guidelines—do’s and don’ts—that can help you be there in a meaningful way.
This guide on how to support a grieving friend will provide you with insights into the best ways to offer comfort, as well as common mistakes to avoid, ensuring your support is genuinely helpful and appreciated.
1. Do: Listen Without Judgment
One of the most important things you can do for a grieving friend is to listen. Grief is often overwhelming and unpredictable, and people need a safe space to express their feelings without judgment.
- Avoid offering unsolicited advice. Simply listen to what they are saying.
- Validate their emotions. Phrases like “It’s okay to feel this way” or “I’m here for you no matter what” can be reassuring.
- Give them room to speak. Sometimes, they may not want to talk, and that’s okay too.
Grieving individuals often feel isolated. Your willingness to listen and be present can provide comfort in a time when they may feel misunderstood.
2. Don’t: Offer Clichés or Minimize Their Pain
Well-intentioned phrases like “Time heals all wounds” or “They’re in a better place (aff)” can often do more harm than good. These clichés may unintentionally minimize the person’s pain or suggest that they should move on faster than they are ready to.
Instead, try to acknowledge the depth of their loss. Offer genuine empathy rather than relying on worn-out phrases that might come across as dismissive.
- Avoid saying: “I know exactly how you feel,” unless you’ve experienced the same kind of loss.
- Do say: “I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you, but I’m here to help however I can.”
3. Do: Offer Practical Support to Support a Grieving Friend
Grieving can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Your friend may struggle with daily tasks or may not have the energy to think about practical matters. Offering tangible help can make a significant difference.
- Offer to cook meals, run errands, or clean their house.
- Help with funeral arrangements or paperwork if they need assistance.
- Take care of children or pets to provide them with some alone time.
Remember, the more specific your offer, the more likely they are to accept your help. Rather than saying, “Let me know if you need anything,” you could say, “I’m free to help with grocery shopping on Saturday. Would that be helpful?”
“It’s important to consider that your main job in providing someone support in their time of grieving is to just simply be present. This means helping in ways that “they” need it, not how “you” feel they should get it. This can mean giving space, listening or helping them in only areas they need or want assistance in. “
“Learning how to support a grieving friend in the way they need it can be challenging. During these hard times, the last thing you want to do is cause the person you are helping, un-do stress and anxiety by helping them in ways they do not feel are helpful.”
4. Don’t: Disappear After the Funeral
Grief doesn’t end with the funeral. In fact, many people find that the hardest part begins after the services are over, when the reality of their loss sets in. Many well-meaning friends and family members offer support immediately following a death but fade away as time passes.
Your friend will need support in the weeks and months following the loss, so be sure to check in regularly.
- Set a reminder to reach out. Even a quick message or call can mean the world to someone grieving.
- Remember important dates like anniversaries and birthdays, as these can be particularly tough.
Grief is not a linear process, and your friend may experience waves of sadness long after the initial loss. Being there for them throughout this journey is invaluable.
5. Do: Encourage Them to Express Their Feelings
Many people feel pressured to “be strong” or suppress their emotions during grief. Let your friend know that it’s okay to express their pain, anger, sadness, or even relief. Everyone grieves in their own way, and all emotions are valid.
- Encourage them to cry or vent without feeling judged.
- Offer a comforting environment where they feel safe expressing themselves, whether it’s over coffee, a walk, or just sitting quietly together.
You don’t need to have the right words to say—just be present.
6. Don’t: Force Them to “Get Over It”
Grief has no timeline. Whether it’s days, months, or years, everyone processes loss differently. It’s important not to push your friend to “move on” or “get back to normal” before they are ready. While it can be difficult to watch someone in pain, healing takes time.
- Avoid saying: “It’s time to move on” or “Aren’t you over this yet?”
- Do say: “Take all the time you need. I’m here for you, whenever you’re ready.”
Allow your friend to grieve at their own pace and be understanding if they need more time than you might expect.
7. Do: Suggest Professional Support if Needed
While you may want to be there for your friend in every way, sometimes professional help is necessary. Grief counselors and support groups can provide specialized support that may be beyond what friends and family can offer.
- Gently suggest counseling or therapy if you see that your friend is struggling to cope.
- Research local grief support (aff) groups or online communities that may be helpful.
- Offer to help them find resources, but be mindful of their readiness to seek professional help.
It’s important to approach this topic carefully. Don’t push them into counseling, but let them know that there are resources available if they feel ready.
8. Don’t: Compare Their Grief to Others
No two people grieve in the same way. It’s crucial not to compare your friend’s grief to others, even if you have experienced loss yourself. Comparing grief can make your friend feel invalidated or like they are grieving the “wrong” way.
- Avoid saying: “When my father passed, I felt…”
- Do say: “I’m here for you, however you’re feeling. We all grieve differently, and that’s okay.”
By focusing on your friend’s unique experience, you can provide them with the support they truly need.
9. Do: Be Patient and Understanding
Grief can cause a range of emotions and behaviors, from withdrawal to irritability. Your friend may not always act like themselves, and that’s okay. Be patient with them and understand that their actions are a reflection of their pain.
- Give them space when needed, but also gently check in.
- Avoid taking their emotions personally, even if they seem distant or upset.
Your understanding and patience will be a source of stability during a time when they feel anything but stable.
10. Don’t: Expect Them to Reach Out First
Your friend may not have the energy to reach out for help, even if they need it. Grief can be overwhelming, and they may not know what they need or how to ask for it. Be proactive in offering your support.
- Regularly check in, even if it’s just to say, “I’m thinking of you.”
- Offer specific help rather than leaving the door open for them to ask.
They may not always respond, but your efforts will let them know they are not alone.
In Summary: Offering Genuine Support
Supporting a grieving friend is about being present, offering a listening ear, and understanding that grief is a deeply personal and non-linear process. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can provide comfort, compassion, and meaningful help to someone who is navigating the complexities of loss.
