Grief advocates, therapists, and other experts share their advice on how to support friends and loved ones when someone dies
Photo: Ponomariova_Maria/Getty Images When someone you know is grieving, it’s natural to want to reach out and help. But often, it’s difficult to know what to say when someone dies. Faced with the enormity of loss, words feel inadequate. It’s not uncommon to feel paralyzed, terrified of saying the wrong thing.
But before you pick up the phone, it’s worth considering your relationship with the person. “If you aren’t close, definitely don’t call within days of a tragic event or difficult news,” says Emily McDowell, co-author and illustrator of There’s No Good Card for This. “Phone calls can feel intrusive and overwhelming at this time. A card, an email, or a text is better. However, if you are good friends or close family, call! The person can always choose to not pick up.
Show up in person The best way to show support for someone who’s grieving is to let them know you’re there for them — and then actually show up. “All you really need to say is some variation of: “I’m sorry you’re going through this. I’m here. I’m thinking about you, I love you,” says McDowell, who also has a line of empathy cards. “Your job here is to let the person know you care, and making the effort of sending a card is a great way to do this. Don’t be afraid to share a favorite story or memory about the person who has passed on.”
Whatever you offer, make sure it’s something you can really follow through on. “It’s important that the offer is something you actually like to do,” says Crowe. “Don’t offer to cook if cooking is stressful for you, for example.”
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Family of toddler who died after cruise ship fall say grandfather's homicide charges 'unnecessary and unfair'Salvatore Anello, 50, was arrested by Puerto Rico police and charged with negligent homicide over the tragic death of Chloe Wiegand on the Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas.
Read more »
Bernie Sanders wants 'criminal' CEOs locked up, but lawyers say that's unlikely to happenIn a wide-ranging interview with CNBC's John Harwood, Bernie Sanders ripped CEOs of Wall Street banks, as well as those of energy and pharmaceutical companies.
Read more »
More than 80% of Republicans say seeking foreign help in elections is not OK, poll findsDespite the current hyper-partisan political climate, opposition to foreign election interference transcends party lines, according to a new Grinnell College National Poll.
Read more »
Mitch McConnell's extraordinary efforts to say nothing at allMcConnell was pressed by a reporter about Vindman's testimony at his weekly news conference in the Capitol, as several other members of the Senate GOP leadership stood stoically -- and silently -- behind him
Read more »
Iranians in Malaysia say banks close their accounts as U.S. sanctions biteBanks in Malaysia are closing the accounts of Iranian individuals and companies,...
Read more »
A plane crashes into an Atlanta apartment complex, police sayA plane has crashed into an apartment building off Interstate 85 in northeast Atlanta, police say. It is not immediately clear if there are any casualties.
Read more »