Helping Others Deal with the Loss of a Family Member

Other than grieving the loss of a family member of friend, one of the most difficult things an individual can cope with is watching someone else go through the grieving process. It can be incredibly difficult to watch someone we love deal with the reality of death; however, there are a few steps we can take to make the process easier.

One of the most important things we can do to make the grieving process easier for those we love is to provide emotional support but realize that the effort may not be appreciated. Unfortunately, many individuals going through the grieving process feel that they only want to be left alone and may at first spurn sympathetic overtures. It is important to provide emotional support while exercising patience.

It can be difficult to offer the right words of comfort when someone loses a family member; however, one of the worst things we can do when trying to help someone ease their way through the grieving process is to offer false expressions of comfort. While these expressions may sound good at the time; it's best to steer away from platitudes such as “you'll get over it in awhile" or “they're better off now." It's far better to simply express your sorrow at the loss and leave it at that.

Offering practical help can also be a great way to help individuals who are experiencing the grieving process. Many times, persons who are grieving the loss of a loved one may find it difficult to get on with the day to day activities. This may be because they are feeling physically ill or depressed or may be because they have less time due to dealing with estate matters. Offering to cook meals, baby-sit, clean or even run errands can be of tremendous help to the person grieving.

Another way you can help someone who is grieving the loss of a loved one is to encourage professional help when needed. It's important to recognize that not everyone needs or desires professional counseling in order to deal with the death of a family member; however, in some cases professional help can prevent the occurrence of a second death. Be alert and on the look-out for signs that the mourner may be overtly depressed following the death of experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

While it can be difficult enough to watch an adult experience the grieving process, enduring the sight of a child experiencing the loss of a family member can be heartbreaking. Even adults often do not understand the loss of a loved one; for children it can be devastating. Recognize that children do not usually grieve in the same way as adults. One of the most important facts we can recognize regarding child mourners is that they often feel threatened by the changes taking place in their lives and as a result may revert back to earlier childhood behaviors. Love, patience and time are the most important ways to help a child deal with the grieving process.

Finally, realize that while it can be very tempting to cover-up, hide or withhold certain elements of the death process from young children, straight talk may be the best medicine. Children are often quite adept at picking up on when adults are being less than honest with them. Don't make matters worse by confusing them further. Explain things to them in a way they can understand to help them through this difficult time.

About The Author:
Jason Petrina is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit - www.articleclick.com