How to Comfort a Grieving Friend

Comforting the bereaved can seem overwhelming, however it really is possible. Instead of trying to cheer up a grieving friend, focus on being supportive and helpful. Part of being supportive is understanding grief. Another great way to be supportive is to be a great empathetic listener. These two things can do so much to comfort a hurting loved one. When it comes to … [Read more...] about Simple Ways of Comforting the Bereaved

When it comes to offering words of sympathy, even close friends are at a loss for words. You may be wondering if you should say something. You might be worried about saying the wrong thing or coming across as insincere. It's a fast way to get up to speed and/or refresh your memory. Some common phrases that are meant to be encouraging such as, "Time will heal all wounds" can be … [Read more...] about Offering Words of Sympathy Doesn’t Have to Be So Difficult

When it comes to knowing how to express sympathy many people are at a loss for words. Expressing sympathy can seem overwhelming at first glance, but when you look at from the perspective of what you would want if you were the one grieving, it can really put things into perspective. Most grieving individuals simply want their loss to be acknowledged and shared by others. They … [Read more...] about How to Express Sympathy: What to Say & What Not to Say

Sympathy and Empathy are closely related yet different. Sympathy will cause you to care enough to want to help a grieving friend. It will fill you with compassion and pity, but empathy will enable you to be understanding and share in another's feelings. Sympathy and empathy combined can help you provide the right kind of support for bereaved friends and family. Listening with … [Read more...] about How to Show Sympathy and Empathy to Comfort a Grieving Friend

Grief is a normal and healthy way to respond to a loss. Understanding the grieving process will help you to provide support to a grieving friend or family member. Most people go through these stages along the journey of accepting a loss: Shock or disbelief Denial Bargaining Guilt Anger Depression Acceptance and hope Symptoms of Grieving: Is This Normal? The … [Read more...] about What You Need to Know About the Grieving Process to Comfort the Bereaved