How To Support Someone While They Mourn a Death

The loss of a loved one can be devastating for anyone. Mourning or longing for a lost loved one can last for weeks, months, years and even decades. Different people have different ways of trying to let go of their grief. It also takes different amount of time. It all depends on how close or dependent you were to you’re loved one or how strong you are as a person.
 
Someone who is mourning for a lost loved one needs company and sometimes does not even know it. The mourner also needs silence and peace around the house. The best thing you could do for them during the first few days or weeks is to listen. Avoid long talks and trying to convince them that things will get better. It is never easy to accept that you will never be able to see or hold someone very dear to you again. Just always be there by their side and never make them feel that they’re alone. Bereaved ones often think that because of their loss, they have no one else to go to. Unfortunately, it is human nature to try and avoid people who are in pain and distress because it makes you feel uncomfortable. That is why it is very important that if possible, you try to be there for them all the time.
 
Depression is part of the normal grieving process. The griever might not want to go out and be with other people, lose appetite and even lose interest in life. Try to get them to do social activities in a gentle way but be prepared of rejection and in case they want to leave early or go home. Also visiting places where they have happy memories with the person they have lost can be difficult during the first stages. Sleeping too much or not sleeping at all is normal, panic attacks and having to rely on prescription drugs or alcohol in the early stages is also not unusual. The pain they feel will not disappear for a while so you must be prepared and patient until the time they find the strength to let go.
 
Another thing that you can do for them is to try to help around the house to minimize the burden of everyday necessities. Some people after a loss tend to neglect some basic responsibilities and might need your help to go through their daily lives. But also remember that many do things differently. Some try to keep themselves busy in order to not think about their loss that much. Just make sure that you are still there to guide them and that they do not hurt themselves physically during the process.

Remember that there is no universal timetable for healing. Be prepared and committed in giving long-term support. Be patient with them throughout the grieving process. You can also try to get other people to help you and support the person by being there for them. Make them realize that even though they lost a loved one, there are still many people who truly love and care for them.