How can I help friend to handle the death of a man?
@dayangsumbi2010 (1724)
Indonesia
July 22, 2011 11:52pm CST
My friend has recently lost an important man in her life ... I'm always there for them and do everything in my power to help her around anyway, but I'm also with the whole situation quite overwhelmed, since they mourn the one hand, MUST be able to process the loss can ... but I'm usually speechless, be still, when she talks to me about it. How could they cheer for?
3 people like this
4 responses
@bagarad (14283)
• Paso Robles, California
23 Aug 11
Every person's grief journey is different, so people will work through their grief in different ways. Some people don't want to talk about it, others want to talk of nothing else but don't, because they are afraid they will discourage friends from visiting. it's most important to be there for the other person. Offer opportunities to go out for a meal or come to your home for dinner. Sometimes eating alone is very hard for people who are used to having a significant other there. This also offers a chance to get out of the house and an opportunity for your friend to talk if she wants to. Show that you don't mind listening by asking open-ended questions like, "it's hard when you lose someone special, isn't it?' or "You must still be really missing ______." Then just be quiet if your friend wants to talk about those feelings. What you don't want to do is imply that your friend should just get over it and go on with her life. She will when she's ready, but it can take three years to get to that stage. Even after that, hearing a special song, or seeing something that brings back memories of the loved one, can make the pain come back for a few minutes. At such moments, a hug might be in order if your friend feels comfortable with that. No words can heal this kind of pain, but knowing someone cares can help.
@Emerald20 (130)
• Philippines
23 Jul 11
HI dayangsumbi! Yes, you really have to listen and use the power of touch. Therapeutic touch has always been helpful as proven in medical and nursing field. You really have to understand your friend's feeling. eventually, your friend will go through the stages of grief. Support is the most important thing in dealing with his kind of situation to ensure that she is going through a healthy process of grief:)
@gengeni (3308)
• Indonesia
23 Jul 11
You do not have to cheer them or what to say to
say what you want there?
Hold it only fixed:)
The time will come when they will be distracted again cheer /, then you realize that already, try it again later.
I wish you and your friend much power
@kendedes2011 (2712)
• Indonesia
23 Jul 11
Sometimes you just listen. Do not try to cheer her up, let them grieve. When I lost some time ago an important person, I needed a lot of time alone. This is probably a little different for each person, but I had to mourn, reflect and be alone. And for some time. But probably everyone has to grieve and cheer as not to fit.





