Knowing what to say to a grieving individual can be tricky. Of course, you know that this person is in pain and unsure of how they will move forward after the funeral and mourning rituals. But what can be said to ease the pain and facilitate their transition back to daily life after experiencing a loss?
Grieving is a highly individual and personal process, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Support from friends and loved ones can benefit a grieving person immensely. You can say and do many things to help support a grieving individual.
The first thing you can say will acknowledge the loss and express your sympathy. This can be as simple as “I’m sorry for your loss.”
Other things you could say that would be helpful include offering comfort or reassurance, such as saying, “I’m here for you if you ever need to talk,” or “It’s okay to feel the way you do.”
According to the National Funeral Directors Association, what people often need most is to be heard and feel understood. Simply recognizing what they are going through and expressing your understanding can go a long way in helping them feel supported. For example, “I know this is hard for you right now.”
You could also offer practical support, such as asking if you can help with meals or other chores, run errands, or assist with finding support groups. “I’m available to help you with whatever you need” is a great way to initiate this.
Whatever you say, make sure that you are actually there for the grieving person – they need your support more than ever. Just being present and listening can be incredibly supportive during this difficult time. Or, if they don’t feel like speaking, be there to sit with them.
There is no defined timeline for grief. Just remember to continue to check in and be there for the bereaved in any way you can.
We Are Here To Help!
Our funeral directors at Star of David Memorial Chapels on Long Island, New York, are here to guide you through difficult times. Whether it is for funeral pre-planning, making funeral arrangements, or providing grief resources, we are here for you. Please get in touch with us at 631-454-9600.