Ways to Sympathize and Commiserate

Ways to sympathize and commiserate. A common fear is saying the “wrong thing” to someone who has recently suffered a loss. The stakes are very high because a bereaved person is usually feeling very emotional and overwhelmed. You should sincerely acknowledge the situation, express empathy  and make an effort to speak from a place of love and compassion.

WAYS TO SYMPATHIZE AND COMMISERATE

However, after speaking with many bereaved individuals, it was revealed that they were too stunned and numb by their loss to respond to people who asked them, If there is anything I can do, let me know,  we should be expressing gratitude. Here are a few ways you can show someone you care about them without actually saying anything: by doing the things listed below.

1. Find an urgent need and meet it

Assist with basic necessities such as making travel and lodging arrangements, providing childcare, and facilitating communication between family members and friends.

2. Be available when required

If the bereaved person does not want to be alone, it is helpful to simply be there and in the same physical location as them.

3. Serve food

Bringing food is beneficial because it relieves the bereaved person of the burden of thinking about where to get food and serves as a reminder to eat and stay healthy. Eating and cooking can be extremely overwhelming and frequently simply forgotten by the bereaved person.

4. Donating to a charity

If someone says, “No flowers,” a houseplant is a good substitute. Additionally, some families request contributions to a foundation or charity in the deceased’s honor, particularly if the deceased had a particular organization that held special meaning for them.

5. Make contact

Many people have an unacknowledged need to be touched during a trying time. Without uttering a word, you can show someone you care by giving them a hug, a handshake, or a pat on the back.

 6. Listen without passing judgment

Simply listening and allowing them to express their grief aids in their own grieving process and lowers the risk of chronic depression. Additionally, since crying is a common way for people to express their grief, don’t worry about making them cry by listening to them and encouraging them to talk if they want to. Sharing silence is another method of listening, and silence itself is beneficial.

7. Assistance for the upcoming days

Also, Many people are typically present and willing to assist in the beginning; as time goes on, keep in contact.

Summary

It’s crucial to allow a grieving person the time and space to feel their emotions, even though you might want to assist them in looking to the future. Don’t put pressure on them to “get over it” because grief has no time limit.