top of page

You Are Not Alone

Grief is a natural response to loss. It’s the emotional suffering you feel when something or someone you love is taken away. Often, the pain of loss can feel overwhelming. You may experience all kinds of difficult and unexpected emotions, from shock or anger to disbelief, guilt, and profound sadness. The pain of grief can also disrupt your physical health, making it difficult to sleep, eat, or even think straight.

 

These are normal reactions to loss—and the more significant the loss, the more intense your grief will be.

Coping with the loss of someone or something you love is one of life’s biggest challenges. You may associate grieving with the death of a loved one—which is often the cause of the most intense type of grief.

images (1).jpg
images (2).jpg
  • Do offer a helping hand with child or pet care, house sit, take care of yard work

  • Do offer help with housecleaning-or if you see a need, start in. 

  • Don't judge. Believe in his/her ability to get through grief in his/her own way and his/her own time. 

  • Do offer your skills to assist with organizational & clerical support such as writing notification letters, helping with the finances, or helping with the thank you notes. 

  • Do Touch - hold hands, give hugs. 

  • Do Share memories. Don't avoid conversation about the one who has died. 

  • Do prepare meals or offer an invitation to dine out. 

  • Do offer to stay over or invite them to stay with you. 

  • Do make available personal resources i.e. a weekend stay at a beach cabin, hot tub, etc. give yourself time

 

  • Do write cards or letters that the bereaved can turn to during lonely times. 

  • Do invite conversation, let him/her feel free to talk or express feelings without embarrassment. Let him/her tell and re-tell what has happened. 

  • Do listen. You don't need to try to "fix" the situation, just let him/her express his/her feelings at the moment. 

  • Do visit and call often. Respect the need for the person to be alone at times. Strive for a balance between companionship and privacy.

  • Do Plan activities--invite and offer transportation. Don't be disappointed if he/she declines your invitation.

  • Do ask "What can I do?" Be sincere about what you are willing to do. Know your limits. Only make offers if you can follow-through on them. 

  • Do support his/her emotional show of feelings--anger, guilt, sadness, fear. 

 

​
 

d0fc7b1c205c2716c598e33fe9442dcd.jpg
bottom of page