Many people understand the concern and need to help a friend in grief. So, if you're worried about how to help a close friend who's going through a difficult time, you're not alone, and they don't have to be either. The support and love you give can make them feel better. But if you are still finding it difficult to help your friend, here are some tips to help you through the process.
Bring Over A Care Basket
Making a grief care basket is one way you can assist your friend in making their life a little easier. This is a wonderful way for you to express your support for them at this trying time. A simple plant costs as little as $29.95, but a quality floral arrangement costs between $50 and $80. The cost will be determined mostly by the size and complexity of the arrangement. Choose a flower arrangement your friend will adore and be able to admire on their kitchen table each day.
Daily Check-Ins
A daily check-in doesn't always have to be about visiting them physically. You can send them a simple good morning phone call or text, a card, or even an invitation to go for an early morning jog. It is a good thing to get them out of their home and interact with outside life. With an average person spending 145 minutes every day on social media, you can even Skype them for greater interpersonal communication.
Be A Good Listener
Are you a good listener? Then you know that listening has its perks. Your friend's loved one may have passed away in a car accident, as 38,000 people die in traffic accidents in the United States each year. Your friend may be nervous to drive or need to simply talk through the situation to obtain some peace and comfort. Listen to your grieving friend's concerns, and offer to drive them anywhere they'd like if they aren't comfortable leaving their house quite yet. Additionally, listening to their thoughts and feelings helps you know what to say in return so you can help them through this process in the best way possible.
Avoid Making Judgments
Your friend needs to be in an environment where they can grieve without fear of being judged. Grief is a time in most people's lives where they are vulnerable and require help and care. At some point in our lives, we've all been guilty of passing judgment on people. You might have become an expert in being a friend in this type of situation, but don't lose sight of the fact that each path is different.
People grieve in different ways, and some may not appear to be upset as they actually are. On the surface, the grieving individual appears to be in good spirits, and it's difficult to comprehend how they're doing so well given the circumstances. Or, the intensity of grief does not appear to be proportional to the relationship. Some people are devastated by the death of a pet, a neighbor, or a distant relative. You might want your friend to get over it fast, but you can't force it. Allow your friend to recuperate at their own pace without judgment.
Offer to Run Errands For Their Family
People who are grieving usually don't move around, so you can step in and help with errands. Of course, your grieving friend may not ask for help even when they really need it. Indirect calls to help out are more approachable, like, "I'm going to Walmart later. Do you need anything from there?" Maybe they want to conduct a home yard sale, or perhaps their kids need to visit an orthodontist for Invisalign, which is used by more than 70% of orthodontists in the United States and Canada. Give a helping hand to leave your friend with more time to heal.
Your friend will require your help not only in the days following their loss but also in the months or years ahead. Start being a supportive friend with these tips.