How to Help Someone With a Bereavement Relationship

Support during times of bereavement can aid the healing process.

Bereavement is a term often used to describe the feelings of a person who's just lost a loved one. The death of a spouse, family member or friend results in a natural grieving process, causing feelings of loss and deprivation to those who are bereaved. Although a supportive relationship cannot end the grieving process, help and support is vital to the bereaved working through the process of grief. Learning how to offer support to a grieving friend or family member allows you to help in a more effective manner.

Things You'll Need

• Prepared meals
• Letter

Instructions

1. 

   Check in frequently to see how the bereaved is doing.

   Stop by your friend or significant other's home to see how he's doing. Take time to ask how the person is feeling and let him know you're available to listen.

2. Help with chores around the house. Simple tasks, such as cleaning house and cooking, can become very overwhelming to someone who's grieving. Bring prepared meals or fix something for the person to eat later.

3. Locate local support groups to help provide support through the grieving process. Offer to go with your friend to provide moral support for the first meeting.

4. Remember special occasions with the bereaved. Spend time with your friend or significant other on the deceased's birthday or other special days, such as an anniversary. This allows the bereaved to remember special occasions with a safety net of support for getting through a difficult day.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware of the bereaved's behavior and listen to what they say. Watch for signs that the person is neglecting his own health or exhibiting signs that he's considering suicide. Err on the side of caution, rather than waiting until it's too late.

• It's okay to say "I'm not sure what to say, but I'm here for you." Don't try to fill silence with awkward or hurtful phrases, such as "It was God's will" or "It must have been her time to go."

References

• HelpGuide; Supporting a Grieving Person; Melinda Smith et al; March 2011
• BBC Health: Helping Your Partner Through Bereavement
• Better Health Channel; Grief-- How to Help the Bereaved; March 2011
• Care for the Family: How Other People Can Help