Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Grief
- Bereavement
What to say to someone who lost a loved one?
“Give sorrow words the grief that does not speak, whispers the o’erfraught heart and bids it break.” Perhaps this quote by Shakespeare can shed some light on the importance of making it okay to talk about grief.
One of the most important things to say to someone who has lost a loved one is that it’s okay to express your feelings, no matter how sad or confusing they are. Encouraging a grieving person to allow themselves time to grieve and to process the loss can help foster effective coping and management of grief symptoms.
How do you deal with grief quotes?
A famous quote from Helen Keller is, “We bereaved are not alone. We belong to the largest company in all the world—the company of those who have known suffering.”
How do you encourage someone after death?
It may not always feel easy when you try to encourage someone after the death of a friend or loved one. If you find yourself grasping for the right words, remember sometimes the simplest form of encouragement you can offer is your presence. That doesn’t mean you always have to cancel all your appointments or obligations and stay by a grieving person’s side. Send a text to say you are thinking of them or call and let them hear your voice. People who are grieving need time to heal. For many, grief causes feelings of loneliness and isolation. Knowing that there is someone who is concerned and available to listen, when needed, is a great way to encourage a grieving person.
What do you say to comfort someone?
If you know someone who is grieving, it can seem difficult knowing what to say to offer them comfort. Expressing your heartfelt concern by saying, “I am so sorry for your loss” or “You and your family are my thoughts and prayers” can have a significant impact on someone who is grieving. Even though it may not feel like it, people who are grieving usually understand that it’s difficult to know the right words to say to them. Offering your support and concern will typically mean a great deal to them. If you don’t know what to say, you can simply say, “I wish I had the perfect words to encourage you. Just know that I am here for you and I care for you.”
How do you comfort someone who is grieving over text?
Although some people may argue that texting someone who is grieving is impersonal, texting can be a great source of encouragement during times of grief. A heartfelt text message can make a positive impact on someone who is experiencing grief. If you are more comfortable sending a text than making a phone call, or if you are busy at work and unable to talk, taking the time to send a text can get a message across. Remember, be specific with your text message. For example, instead of saying, “I’m sorry for your loss” acknowledge their specific loss by saying, “I’m sorry to hear about the loss of Mike.” Saying the name of the person who was lost helps the person who is grieving by validating their grief. Offer expressions of sympathy by saying, “I can’t imagine what you may be feeling.”
How long does mourning last?
There are several references that offer ideas about how long a period of mourning should last. However, grief is a personal experience and may last longer for each affected individual. Several factors affect the process of mourning, such as whether a loss or death was expected or unexpected, the length of the relationship a person had with a lost loved one, and other circumstances surrounding the loss. Whether a person has a support system of people who can offer encouragement during the mourning process and their ability to cope effectively with the emotions associated with grief may also impact one’s ability to find comfort or how long mourning lasts.
People who experience prolonged or complicated grief may experience symptoms of grief that lasts for several years. In these circumstances, seeking the help of a mental health professional, such as a bereavement (grief) counselor can be helpful.
What can I say instead of sorry for your loss?
Wondering what to say to a friend or loved one who has experienced a loss may leave you feeling as if you are grasping for the right words. Most people have said or heard, “I’m sorry for your loss” at some point in their lives. While the sentiment is probably genuine in most cases, it can feel impersonal. If you’d like to express your condolences to someone who is trying to find comfort, you may want to try some of the following statements.
- “I’m truly sorry you are experiencing this difficult time.” Letting a grieving person know that you acknowledge the difficulty they are experiencing and that you are concerned is important. You don’t have to have a long or drawn-out conversation. Simply offering support and validation for what they are feeling can make a big difference.
- “You are important to me, and I’m here when you need me.” Grief often has a way of making one feel unimportant or undeserving. Making a statement that expresses the importance of a bereaved person and offering your support and presence when they need you can give them a sense of belonging.
- “Your brother was such a joy to be around.” When a person loses a loved one, knowing that the person they love had a positive impact on someone else’s life can give them a sense of comfort. Tell survivors what the deceased person meant to you personally.
What is a good sympathy message?
If you are preparing to write a message of sympathy to someone who is grieving, try to focus on positive things.
A few examples of sympathy messages may include:
- “I could always count on your mom to encourage me. She always made me feel welcome and comfortable in any situation.”
- “You sister was one of the most generous people I ever met. I remember when she bought groceries for me when I lost my job. It meant so much.”
- “Your father was what my dad called a ‘mountain of a man.’ He was always supportive and giving. The world is certainly a better placed because of the time he was here.”
Grief Quotes, Feeling And Understanding Grief: Related Articles
- https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/grief/hope-is-all-around-how-constant-connection-through-online-grief-support-can-help-you-persevere-with-your-loss/
- https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/grief/do-grief-counseling-techniques-work/
- https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/grief/benefits-of-grief-counseling/
- https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/grief/the-7-stages-of-grief-and-how-they-affect-you/
- https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/grief/understanding-the-stages-of-grief/
- https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/grief/learning-the-grief-definition-is-the-first-step-to-finding-peace/
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- https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/grief/bereavement-quotes-that-provide-comfort-in-times-of-grief/
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- https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/grief/what-is-emotional-distress-an-overview/
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- https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/grief/what-happens-in-bereavement-counseling/
- https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/grief/how-to-choose-the-right-bereavement-group/
- https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/grief/healing-ways-to-spend-bereavement-time-off/
https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/grief/coping-with-pet-bereavement/
https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/grief/what-is-bereavement/
For More Information About Grief And General Mental Health
- National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI) Instagram
- NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-6264
- BetterHelp Instagram
- BetterHelp Twitter
- BetterHelp Facebook
- BetterHelp LinkedIn
For Immediate Help
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
- Trevor Project Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233