How to support a friend in mourning

The true measure of a friend is how they support someone when they’re going through a difficult moment. It’s easy to be there when everything is going well, but when the going gets tough? That’s what really counts. You’ll have plenty of happy memories with your friends, but from time to time, bad things will happen, and they’ll need you to be there. This is especially true when they’re in mourning. This is arguably the most difficult experience a person can have, and they’ll need you! Below are some useful tips that’ll ensure you can be an awesomely supportive friend.

A Message of Support

It’s unlikely that you’ll be by your friend’s side during the immediate aftermath of the death. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t be there in spirit. Don’t underestimate how much a long and loving message can be when the friend is going through the grieving process. This will be especially important if they’ve had to travel back to their family home — they could feel a little isolated and removed from their normal life. Letting them know that their friends are with them can be powerful.

Send Food and Care Packages

Your friend will likely be going through an intense grieving process for the first days or couple of weeks following the death. And during that period, it’s likely that they’ll forget to take care of some of the essentials, such as eating well. This can make the grieving process even worse. You can help them out by delivering some prepared food that they can heat up and eat when they feel like it. You may also consider sending other care package items, such as things they like and other foods and drinks. If nothing else, flowers will help to cheer them up a little. 

Assist With Details

Your friend may need to handle some of the arrangements for the funeral. This is something that can be a little overwhelming if the person is still in a deep state of grief. You can help your friend by looking up the number for a funeral parlour or phoning friends and family on their behalf. Even if your friend is capable of doing those things on their own, it can be nice to be by their side — it’s always nice to have people with you when you’re going through an intense experience.

Invite Them Out

Your friend will be consumed by the grief process for a while. But it’s important that you show them that there are other things to life than grief. You can do this by inviting them out and trying to reclaim a little bit of normalcy. You won’t cure them of their grief — indeed, that’s not the goal — but you will give them a bit of a break from grief for a little while. One of the best things you can do for your friend is to create an evening of laughter and good times and all-around showering them in love.