Grief is a natural response to the feeling of loss or separation. It is an inevitable part of life. We will all be tasked with the duty of showing support to someone who is grieving at a point in our lives. Knowing how to help someone grieving is a critical skill everyone should have.

To support a person who is grieving, we must first understand and accept these two truths about grieving;

We grieve for different reasons. 

Grieving is not limited to losing a loved one. We grieve when we’ve lost valuable opportunities, connections, money, marriage, pets, health, sentimental items, etcetera. 

Just because you do not value why a person is grieving does not mean that the grief is unimportant.

We grieve differently.

People grieving experience a strong wave of emotions that could manifest in different ways; crying, extreme silence, self-harm indulgence, etcetera. You’ll find more ways people react to grief below. 

Just because you are used to people crying when expressing grief does not mean that everyone will respond to grief the same manner.

Why and how people grieve may seem strange sometimes. It is important to keep an open mind when intending to show support to a friend, neighbor, colleague, or family member who is grieving. 

Five helpful guides to supporting a grieving person?

• Express concern for their loss. 

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The first and most common way people support someone who is grieving is by showing concern for their loss. You must acknowledge that the loss happened and that your friend is looking for ways to deal with the situation. 

Imagine you lose something or someone dear to you, and everyone ignores you and the loss and moves on like it never happened; how would you feel?  

A lack of concern for loss gives the impression that the thing or person that was lost is of no value, which is heartbreaking to the bereaved. 

Showing concern for a person’s loss tells them that you; 

• Acknowledge the deceased existence and lack of it. 
• Recognize the value of life.
• Understand the finality of death. The bereaved will never see their loved one/s in this world again.
• Wish them well because their (bereaved) well-being is important to you.

How you show concern is important. People are often lost for ideas about what to give or say to someone grieving. Worry not. 

In case you are looking for what to say to someone who is grieving, we have a list of ideas you could run with. See; 

• what to say instead of sorry for your loss, 
• what to say when someone is ill, 
• what to say to someone who lost their grandmother. 
• What to write in a sympathy card for loss of mother.
• What to write in a sympathy card for the loss of a son.

If you are looking for a list of ideas on what to give to someone to someone who is grieving, here are a couple;

• Sentimental gifts for a grieving widow.
• Sympathy gift for loss of a father.
• Sympathy gift for loss of grandmother.
• Sympathy gift for the loss of grandfather.

• Pay attention to their pain and how they’ve chosen to express it, and don’t judge them for it. 

One of the reasons why people get confused or discouraged trying to help someone grieving is that they cannot recognize how different people express or deal with painful events. Some of the ways people react to grieving are;

• Sobbing and sorrowfulness.
• Deep sadness; depression.
• Irritation and anger.
• Physical ache, body pain, and illness.
• Deep frustration and restlessness.
• Isolation, social withdrawal, break in communication.
• Lack of appetite.
• Suicidal expression; threat to safety.
• Expression of guilt and reproach.
• Blaming and complaining.
• Fatigue, exhaustion.
• Restlessness, sleep deprivation. 
• Symptoms of anxiety like panic, shortness of breath, tightness of the throat, etcetera. 

Recognizing how people express their grief will help you; 

• Be more sensitive and patient with them,
• Respond appropriately / be more helpful,
• Inform relevant people for additional support (if and when needed).

• Offer doable services/ support. 

The loss of something or someone comes with many stressors that could overwhelm the bereaved. Often, those who mourn try not to ask for help for fear of rejection or overburdening other people with their problems. Taking up chores or rending other helpful services is one of the kindest ways to help someone who is grieving. 

Sadly, many intending helpers make the mistake of offering to help and failing to do so. Note that making unrealistic promises adds to the stress of the bereaved. For example, if you offer to cater food and don’t, the grieving will be forced to make alternative plans on short notice and, sometimes, with limited resources. 

People commonly make unrealistic promises by saying, “if there is anything you need, don’t fail to let me know.” Are you sure you can give anything to someone mourning a loss? Never make frivolous promises to someone who is grieving. Rather, make specific promises and keep to them.

• Stay in touch. 

It is common for people to show massive concern for someone grieving at the initial stage of loss. Sadly, their care show fades out as quickly as it comes, and the grieving person is left to carry their cross alone. 

Stay in touch with your friend, acquaintance, or loved ones who are grieving. Do not assume another person will keep them company and help them out. Sometimes nobody does. A grieving person can never have enough support or love. Your presence, call, or text is as equally valuable as the next person you think will show them support.

Did you know that friends can positively impact their friends’ overall feeling of happiness? 

Even if you’re not a friend, being present is one way to give hope. Hope is a great remedy for difficult times. Keep checking in on people grieving.