What Are Some Ways to Help a Loved One Cope with Grief?
Grief can feel like an overwhelming force that takes over someone’s life. For those who are grieving, the holiday season, anniversaries, or everyday moments can intensify the absence of a loved one. Online grief therapy in Sherman Oaks & throughout Los Angeles can provide a safe space for individuals to process their emotions and navigate these challenging times. If someone you care about is grieving, it can be hard to know exactly how to support them. However, the most important thing you can offer is your compassion and presence. Rather than trying to fix the situation, your role is to provide space for them to express their emotions, honor their loss, and find ways to cope.
In this blog, we’ll explore several thoughtful ways to help a grieving loved one, whether they are navigating a recent loss or feeling overwhelmed later.
1. Offer Your Presence, Not Just Your Words
Sometimes, the most meaningful support you can offer a grieving person is to simply be there for them. You don’t always need to speak or provide solutions; sometimes, sitting together in silence can be the most comforting gesture. Grief is often isolating, and having someone nearby can provide a sense of relief. It shows that they are not alone in their pain, even if words aren’t exchanged.
Regular check-ins can also make a big difference. Even if they don't seem ready to talk, the gesture of reaching out—whether it’s a text, a call, or a visit—lets them know you care. Just knowing that someone is there for them, even in quiet moments, can help reduce feelings of loneliness. For those feeling stuck in their grief, seeking therapy for grief can offer additional tools to help them move forward.
2. Listen and Validate Their Emotions
Everyone’s experience with grief is unique, and how someone expresses their emotions may not always align with your own understanding of grief. It’s important to listen attentively and without judgment. This means not offering advice or suggestions unless they ask for it. Instead, let them share their feelings, whether they’re angry, sad, confused, or even guilty.
By offering a non-judgmental space, you allow your loved one to express themselves freely, without fear of being told how they “should” be feeling. Grief often comes with a mix of emotions, and it’s important to reassure them that it’s okay to feel however they feel, even if it doesn’t make sense. Sometimes, simply acknowledging their pain and letting them know it’s okay to feel what they’re feeling can be a powerful way to show support. If they’re struggling to articulate their feelings, a grief counselor can help guide them through the process.
3. Help with Practical Tasks
When grieving, even routine tasks can feel like monumental challenges. Offering to help with day-to-day responsibilities can ease the burden. Consider offering specific, tangible help, such as preparing meals, picking up groceries, or running errands. Don’t just say, “Let me know if you need anything.” Instead, offer something concrete like, “I’m going to the store—Im going to grab dinner for you” This takes the pressure off them and allows them to focus on their emotional well-being.
If they have children or pets, offering to help with childcare or pet care can also provide much-needed relief. These practical gestures can help them manage daily life while also grieving.
4. Respect Their Grieving Process
Grief is not linear, and everyone processes it in their own way and at their own pace. Some people may want to talk about their loved one constantly, while others may avoid the subject altogether. The way your loved one expresses grief may change over time, and it’s important to respect their preferences. They may want to cry, reminisce, or share stories one day, and the next day, they may not want to discuss their loss at all.
It’s important not to impose expectations on how they should grieve. Sometimes, being patient and letting them guide the process is the best way to support them. Don’t rush them to “move on” or “get back to normal.” Just let them take the time they need. For those who feel stuck, online grief therapy in Sherman Oaks & throughout Los Angeles can provide a safe space to work through their emotions.
5. Encourage Self-Care
Grief can take a physical toll, leaving someone feeling drained and disconnected from their body. Encouraging your loved one to practice self-care—such as getting enough rest, eating well, and exercising—can be incredibly helpful. While it may feel difficult to take care of oneself during times of loss, caring for their body will give them more strength and resilience to manage the emotional strain.
However, don’t push too hard or demand that they take specific actions. Gently encourage them to do small things that nurture their well-being, like going for a walk, taking a nap, or engaging in a favorite hobby. Offer to join them in these activities, but respect their choice if they prefer solitude. Simple, thoughtful gestures that prioritize their health can provide the emotional and physical support they need.
6. Be Sensitive to Special Dates
Anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays can be especially challenging for someone who is grieving. These dates often bring a flood of memories and can serve as reminders of the person they’ve lost. Be aware of these dates and check in with your loved one before or during those times. Let them know you’re thinking of them and that you’re there if they need support. However, don’t assume they’ll want to commemorate the day in any particular way.
Ask them how they’d like to spend the day and whether they’d like to participate in any specific traditions or rituals. It may be helpful to simply acknowledge that the day will be difficult, without pressuring them into specific activities.
7. Share Their Memories
Talking about a loved one who has passed can be healing for some people, as it allows them to preserve the connection they once had. If your grieving loved one is open to it, share memories of the person they’ve lost, whether it’s funny stories, personal anecdotes, or special moments you shared together. This can help honor the person’s life and keep their memory alive in a positive way.
However, be mindful of their readiness to engage in such conversations. If they are not ready to talk about their loved one, don’t push them. It’s about respecting their needs and helping them feel seen in their grief. For additional support, a grief therapist provide a space to reflect on memories and process them in a meaningful way.
8. Be Mindful of Comparisons
Grief is a deeply personal experience, and comparing one person’s grief to another’s can be harmful. Just because someone else seems to be coping well doesn’t mean that your loved one should be. Avoid comparing their grief journey to others or minimizing their emotions by saying things like, “You’re doing better than I expected” or “At least you had time to say goodbye.”
Instead, focus on what they’re experiencing right now and offer a listening ear. Their grief is valid, no matter how long it lasts or how it looks.
9. Encourage Professional Help If Needed
Grief can be overwhelming, and sometimes it becomes too much for someone to cope with alone. If your loved one is struggling to manage their emotions, encourage them to speak to a therapist or grief counselor. Professional help can provide them with tools to manage their grief in a healthy way and allow them to process their emotions in a safe, structured environment.
While you can provide valuable support, a therapist can offer the specialized guidance they need. If they’re hesitant to seek professional help, you could offer to help them find a grief therapist or even offer to go with them to the first session for moral support.
Final Thoughts
Grief is an emotional journey that no one should have to navigate alone. By being present, offering practical help, respecting their unique grieving process, and encouraging self-care, you can help your loved one cope with the loss they’re facing. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is simply show up—both emotionally and physically—to offer your support. While grief can never be fully “fixed,” your presence and compassion can help alleviate some of the burden and provide the comfort your loved one needs. For those ready to seek additional help, therapy for grief in Sherman Oaks & throughout Los Angeles can offer a pathway to healing.
Compassionate Support with Grief Counseling in Sherman Oaks & Los Angeles
Grieving a loss can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s accompanied by trauma or unresolved emotions. Grief counseling in Sherman Oaks and throughout Los Angeles offers a safe and supportive space to help you process your feelings, navigate the challenges of loss, and find ways to move forward at your own pace. Whether you’re grappling with lingering guilt, anger, or the weight of profound sadness, therapy can provide tools to support your healing. As a grief counselor, I specialize in online, trauma-informed therapy designed to meet you where you are. Together, we’ll explore your experiences, honor your loss, and work toward rediscovering moments of peace and resilience.
Learn More About Me and My Services
Begin your healing journey with grief counseling in Sherman Oaks and Los Angeles.
Other Therapy Services Offered By Kiana Naimi
Besides grief counseling, I also offer other counseling services in Los Angeles and throughout California. Grief might be only one aspect of your mental health you want to address. This is why I offer a holistic approach to promoting overall emotional wellness. Other services I offer are trauma therapy and therapy intensives. I also specialize in different modalities such as Narrative Therapy, Attachment-Based Grief, Trauma Focused CBT, Somatic Embodiment & Regulation Strategies, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). Please explore my website to learn more about how I can support you on your journey towards healing and growth.