6 Ways to Comfort Someone Who is Grieving

The grieving process can be a lonely, emotional journey. If someone you know has suffered a loss they will need your love and compassion more than ever.

There isn’t a universal approach to helping a friend or relative cope with death. Sending a bouquet of flowers, mailing a card, and preparing a meal are all appropriate ways to express your empathy.

But what if you would prefer to do something outside the box that is a little more personal?

If this is the case, I recommend that you consider one of the following 6 ways to comfort someone who is grieving.

1. Make a Scrapbook

One of the more creative ways to show your support is to put together a memorial scrapbook for the bereaved.

You can fill the pages with photographs, meaningful song lyrics, and inspirational quotes or bible verses. If you are artistic, you might want to include a drawing that captures a special memory of the deceased.

The person left behind will be grateful to you for taking the time to make such a heartfelt tribute, as it will allow him or her to reflect on their loved one’s life for years to come.

2. Encourage Healthy Activity

Research shows that physical activity releases endorphins that can boost a person’s mood.

My father-in-law, Jim, was telling me that he swims laps every evening with a friend who recently lost his wife. Jim has witnessed how exercising and having something to look forward to has not only lifted his friend’s spirits, but also given him a better outlook on the future.

If a friend or relative seems especially sad and withdrawn, I encourage you to invite them to do something active that you think they would enjoy.

3. Give a Small Gift

Grief can be exhausting. Many people have days where they don’t feel like leaving the house or even getting out of bed in the morning.

If you want to brighten someone’s day you can leave a small present and an encouraging note on their doorstep. I would recommend surprising them with these kind gestures every day for an entire week.

Inspirational books, gift cards, and homemade baked goods are all thoughtful gifts anyone would be happy to find outside their front door.

4. Coordinate Connections

You may find it difficult to relate to another person’s pain if you have never lost a loved one yourself.

One way to convey your support is to put the bereaved in touch with someone else who has gone through something similar. If you do not know such a person, you could offer to go to a grief group or support group with the bereaved.

He or she may not take you up on the invitation initially, but they may take you up on it in the future.

5. Reach Out on Special Days

Birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays aren’t easy for anyone who has experienced a death since they are occasions that would have been celebrated with their loved one.

Recently, I went to lunch with a friend who lost her husband several years ago. She shared with me that every year on her husband’s birthday she receives a call from her best friend. This call makes a difficult day a little easier.

Reaching out to someone you care about on a special day will leave a lasting impression on their heart.

6. Listen with Empathy

There are times when the best thing you can offer a person in mourning is a listening ear.

Giving someone the opportunity to openly express their thoughts without having to worry about being judged will help them to process their thoughts and gain closure.

Keep in mind that people who are grieving often need to tell the same story over and over in order to make sense of their feelings. Be patient and know that this is part of the healing process.

Grief Doesn’t Have a Timeline

Having been in the funeral industry in some way, shape, or form my whole life, I have heard many people say that the first year after losing a loved one is the toughest.

It wasn’t until after my father died that I fully understood the truth of this statement. My dad has been gone for a while now, but it still makes me smile when someone asks how I am doing or tells a story about my dad.

As you think about different ways to demonstrate your care and concern to someone, remember they will need your support long after the funeral is over.

A simple thinking-of-you card, phone call, or text from time to time will remind them that their loved one is gone but not forgotten.