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Thoughtful advice on how to help someone dealing with loss.
When someone we care about is hurting, it's only natural to want to say something that will help them recover. Yet too often we choose words that don't help—like these.
Facing loss is one of the hardest human experiences, and supporting someone through it can be equally challenging. Your guide offers thoughtful advice on how to approach this delicate situation with empathy and respect. ### What Not to Do 1. **Avoid Unsolicited Advice**: Instead of offering solutions, acknowledge their pain with statements like, "I’m so sorry you are going through this right now. It must be very difficult." 2. **Don't Hijack Their Story**: While sharing your own experiences might seem helpful, it can overwhelm the grieving person. Focus on their experience. 3. **Don’t Rush Them**: Grief has no timeline. Pressuring someone to “get back to normal” can add to their pain. 4. **Don’t Assume You Understand**: Even if you’ve experienced a similar loss, each person's grief is unique. 5. **Stay Present Beyond the Funeral**: Support often wanes after the funeral, but that’s when it's most needed. Continue to check in regularly. 6. **Say Their Name**: Acknowledging the deceased by name can be comforting, especially for parents grieving a child. 7. **Avoid Platitudes**: Statements like "God has a plan" or "At least you have another child" are often unhelpful and can feel dismissive. 8. **Acknowledge and Make Eye Contact**: Even simple gestures like eye contact and a nod can be meaningful. ### What You Can Do 1. **Ask Permission**: Respect their readiness to share or receive help. Questions like, "Would you like to tell me about it?" or "May I give you a hug?" are respectful. 2. **Inquire About Today**: Ask, "How is today going for you?" to provide space for them to share their current feelings. 3. **Share Memories**: Telling stories about the deceased can be comforting and affirming. 4. **Accept Various Responses**: Recognize that everyone grieves differently. 5. **Offer Specific Help**: Instead of vague offers, give specific options like picking up the kids or sending a meal. 6. **Continue Long-Term Support**: Periodic check-ins and notes of encouragement long after the funeral can provide ongoing comfort. 7. **Seek Permission for Continued Contact**: Ask if it’s okay to message or check in. If they agree, follow through consistently. 8. **Help with Daily Tasks**: Coordinating help for practical tasks, like house cleaning, can be a significant relief. 9. **Be Present in Silence**: Sometimes, your silent presence is the most powerful support you can offer. By following these guidelines, you can provide meaningful support to those who are grieving, honoring their unique process and helping them feel less alone in their journey. #SupportingGrief #EmpathyInAction #CompassionateCare
When someone we care about is hurting, it's only natural to want to say something that will help them recover. Yet too often we choose words that don't help—like these.
Please remember that grief is the natural emotional response to loss or a change of any kind. The loss of something or someone that has held familiar or significant space in our life leads to a grief response. If someone in your circle or a colleague has experienced loss of any kind, and you are struggling with what to say, do, or how to help, glean insight from this article, and also share it with a friend.
When someone we care about is hurting, it's only natural to want to say something that will help them recover. Yet too often we choose words that don't help—like these.
I Rubik's Cube people and business by leveraging shared passion and purpose to optimize performance, processes, and productivity.
For anyone dealing with loss, grief, or both - you're okay to feel how you're feeling. There's no right or wrong way to process grief. The journey is personal. As we're fresh into the new year, I know for many of us this means to leave behind the weight of what is no longer serving us. Whether that's habits, people, environments, thinking patterns... or sometimes it's a dream that we have tried to force into a reality, but it's starving our hearts and stealing our peace. It may be time to let it go. To grieve what we wanted - so we can make room for the gift the universe is trying to give us. Or to fully feel the weight of grief over someone you loved dearly, who left this realm. Here one minute and gone the next. Afraid that if you feel the fullness and process your grief - you'll heal. And in healing, you'd lose your connection to them. Because to feel debilitating pain, keeps you connected. This video popped up in my FB memories yesterday. I lost my dad after an 11-month battle with colon cancer. I wrote poetry and journaled as I walked that road with him for 11 months. From his first doctor visit- to the diagnosis - to surgery - to chemo - and to standing beside him as he took his final breath - looking him in his eyes and telling him to 'let go'. I wrote about it all. It's how I grieved and processed and ultimately how I healed. And I can assure you that even with the healing, I have never once lost my connection to him. If you are grieving this season, I see you. Lean in. https://lnkd.in/ek-Mu9cG You can find my book and more info at www.aprilpoynter.com (check under resources).
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We all must deal with grief at some point in our lives. Learning to understand and process it is important for yourself, your family, and the people you care about. This site offers videos, techniques, strategies, and readings about how to cope with grief. Learn how to talk about death openly, honestly, and in an age-appropriate way. https://bit.ly/3LWNoHf
After losing a loved one, remember there is no “right” timeline to mourn. Everyone experiences grief differently! 🩹❤️ Learn more about how to help yourself along the journey in this article by the APA. https://lnkd.in/e-tPqn8u
We all must deal with grief at some point in our lives. Learning to understand and process it is important for yourself, your family, and the people you care about. This site offers videos, techniques, strategies, and readings about how to cope with grief. Learn how to talk about death openly, honestly, and in an age-appropriate way. https://bit.ly/3Afytp3
Agent with New York Life helping families and business owners develop a sound financial strategy
We all must deal with grief at some point in our lives. Learning to understand and process it is important for yourself, your family, and the people you care about. This site offers videos, techniques, strategies, and readings about how to cope with grief. Learn how to talk about death openly, honestly, and in an age-appropriate way. https://bit.ly/3yuXfB0
We all must deal with grief at some point in our lives. Learning to understand and process it is important for yourself, your family, and the people you care about. This site offers videos, techniques, strategies, and readings about how to cope with grief. Learn how to talk about death openly, honestly, and in an age-appropriate way. https://bit.ly/3M6Ag2q
Agent with New York Life helping families and business owners develop a sound financial strategy
We all must deal with grief at some point in our lives. Learning to understand and process it is important for yourself, your family, and the people you care about. This site offers videos, techniques, strategies, and readings about how to cope with grief. Learn how to talk about death openly, honestly, and in an age-appropriate way. https://bit.ly/3SFCKZf
Energy and Business Development Consultant
1moBeing Intentional with Word Choices, in these moments, is SO important!!