You know someone who is grieving, and you happen to see them. What do you say?
Fear about what to say to a griever is common. Most people are uncomfortable around someone who is grieving because they’re afraid of saying the wrong thing. Since they have no idea what to say, often they simply choose to avoid the griever.
The most important thing anyone can do is to let the person who is grieving know that you care. Give them a hug, show them your concern for what they’re going through, and tell them you want to help (and mean it)!
Pause and Think Twice Before You Speak to Someone Who Is Grieving
Friday, August 15th, 2014After reading and hearing countless comments about the death of Robin Williams, once again it’s clear that a great lack of understanding surrounds grief, loss, and related issues. Even though the intent of most people is to provide comfort and support, they can inadvertently say something that’s hurtful or damaging.
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Tags: grief is misunderstood, how to help grievers, senseless hurtful comments to grievers, suicide and mental illness, understanding grief, what not to say to grievers, what to say to grievers
Posted in Coping with Grief, Decisions and choices, How to help grievers, Needs of grievers, Stunned by Grief, What to say to grievers | 4 Comments »