According to Mental Health America, experiencing the loss of a loved one can be one of life's most stressful experiences. Close friends and relatives can be a critical source of support during this difficult time. By learning more about self-help tools and practical resources for support, a friend or relative can offer guidance and reassurance during the bereavement process. While it can be difficult at times to know what to say or do, the more informed people are, the more comfortable they'll be helping another individual.
Step 1
Learn about the grieving process and the emotional changes that occur during this time. Experts at Helpguide.org note that grief can produce extremely strong emotions, causing many people to experience high levels of stress, anger, guilt or despair. It's important to recognize that these reactions are normal, and that supporting the grieving process requires patience and understanding.
Step 2
Be willing to listen to the grieving person talk about his feelings, thoughts and memories. Experts at Helpguide.org note that people who are grieving often benefit the most from being able to express their feelings. Avoid the urge to give advice or offer answers. They may just want to sit in silence, cry or be angry, and having someone who will sit with them and be compassionate can be very helpful.
Step 3
Offer practical help that will reduce the person's stress and allow her to rest. Mental Health America notes that people may experience extreme levels of physical and emotional stress due to grief. People can offer support by helping with daily tasks such as cleaning, cooking, transportation or simply running basic errands. This will free up more time for the person to rest and spend time with friends and family.
Step 4
Help the individual create memorials or projects that honor the deceased. Experts at Mental Health America note that rituals to memorialize a lost loved one are often a critical part of the grieving process. Friends and relatives can help create scholarship funds, plant a tree or build a memorial. Participating in this process and providing long-term support will show the person that he is not alone in his grief. In addition, you can offer extra support and companionship on special days that may prove difficult, such as birthdays, holidays or anniversaries.
