How to Support a Grieving Friend

By: James Donofrio
Monday, September 20, 2021

It can be incredibly difficult to watch a grieving friend. Sometimes, even when you want to be there to support them in their time of sorrow, you feel lost and unsure about what you can do to make them feel a little better.

Ways to Support Someone Who Is Grieving

At Blair Mazzarella Funeral Home, we believe that supporting someone who has just lost a loved one is one of the best ways to show how much he or she means to you. Here are some pointers on how you can support a grieving friend:

  • Before extending any help, find out what kind of support they need. Sometimes they may need you to spend time with them while at others they may be looking for moral support. Observe them without interfering in what they are doing and then fill in the gaps in terms of being there for them.
     
  • While it is essential that you be there for them, do not make promises you can’t keep. So if you are too busy, do not promise to spend entire days with them. Commit to helping them in a way that you definitely can.
     
  • Be there to support them but refrain from being overbearing. If they need to be left alone at some point, give them the space they need, without being judgmental.
     
  • Even if your friend has family members rallying around them, you can offer to be a gap-filler and be there to share the responsibilities during that difficult time.

The idea is to be right there when your friend needs you, without making them feel overwhelmed in any way. For any details about our funeral services or for assistance with preplanning a funeral, contact Blair Mazzarella Funeral Home. Our knowledgeable and experienced funeral director will help with the information you need.

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