Posted by: biosolutionsarizona | March 26, 2009

Helping Others Cope With Death

There are few things that can match the pain one feels when following a death in the family or friend. Death is a constant reminder of the value of life, particularly when it involves death in the family of the mourner.  I came across these tips for helping a loved one cope with death.  Hope they help

  • Let them know they can talk. Encouraging a loved one to talk about their feelings of loss and share memories of the deceased can help the healing process.
  • Do not minimize their loss. It offers no consolation to a person experiencing grief to hear “It was for the best” or “You will get over it in time.” Instead, offering one’s sincere condolences and just listening to the individual  express their grief are better ways of showing compassion and understanding.
  • Offer practical help. Assisting a grieving loved one with their daily chores, such as by babysitting, cooking or helping make funeral arrangements can be extremely helpful.
  • Be patient with them. It is important to remember that everyone experiences loss in their own way. Some people may take a long time coming to terms with the death of a loved one. In such cases, one can show support by being available whenever needed.
  • Encourage them to seek physical and/or mental health treatment when necessary. This is extremely important because individuals experiencing grief may be so overcome with their emotions that they may not realize they need professional help.
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