How To Reach Out When Someone Is Grieving

Are you in a situation where you don’t know what to say to someone who is grieving? We’ve all been there. It can be difficult to come up with just the right sympathetic words. You may even decide to say nothing at all. Reaching out and letting that person know you’re thinking of them doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple yet effective ways to tell someone who’s lost a loved one how sorry you are.

I’m sorry you’re in pain. This is a suitable alternative to the common proffering “I understand how you feel.” You may actually know how they feel, however grieving people often react instinctively with the thought “No one understands how I feel.” And that’s true, no one can truly understand exactly how an individual feels. Everyone’s circumstances are different, so it’s helpful to simply express your sorrow for their hurt.

I will bring you a meal tomorrow. If you’ve ever lost someone dear to you, you know how difficult it is to focus on details. It can also be awkward to try to figure out what to ask of certain people. Making a specific offer to a grieving friend or family member makes it easier for them to accept your help. It could be mowing their yard, running an errand, anything pressing in that difficult time.

How are you doing today? At Mountain View Funeral Home in Mesa, we understand that grief is ongoing. Chances are high that someone who’s grieving a loss is living moment to moment. They may say “I’m fine” in response to “How are you doing?”, whereas asking them how they are at this very minute opens the door for them to share specifics, which helps in the healing process.

As the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association points out, the important thing is to do something, even if it’s dropping a note or card in the mail.

At Mountain View Funeral Home, our top priority is caring for others, just as you care for someone who is grieving. If the time comes that you yourself are in need of funeral arrangements in Phoenix and the surrounding areas, we invite you to contact our caring, professional staff. We are here for you.