Supporting Bereaved Families: A Guide to Offering Comfort and Assistance

When you lose a good friend, not only are you filled with grief, but your friend's family will also have a void. You may feel awkward on how to reach out and communicate with the family. You may even feel as if you're intruding. Yet, helping your friend's loved ones through the grieving process can let them know that they have someone to lean on. By offering your support, you can assist in healing your friend's family.

Instructions

• 1

  Offer to assist with funeral arrangements. Incorporate your friend's personality into the funeral service by including aspects of her life, such as what she loved in life or by placing pictures at the service.

• 2

  Communicate to the bereaved, but also listen. Encouraging the bereaved to talk, allows them to realize that your friend has died, as well as deal with the process of grieving. Exchange stories about your friend so you can bond over memories.

• 3

  Help run errands and do grocery shopping for your friend's family. You can also help write thank you cards if the family is willing.

• 4

  Find support sources, such as books or grief counselors. This helps if the bereaved begins to exhibit signs of depression. If necessary, go along to support groups.

• 5

  Check in on your friend's family. They may lack the motivation to call you and need assistance without wanting to seem like a burden. Offer to drive and pick up kids from school.

• 6

  Support your friend's family on days that might be painful. Days such as birthdays, anniversaries or holidays can bring back a flood of painful emotions.