Grief is a deeply personal journey, and knowing how to support someone navigating loss can feel overwhelming. Whether they’re in the immediate aftermath or quietly adjusting in the weeks and months that follow, your compassionate presence makes a profound difference. At Everis, we understand that grief doesn’t follow a script. This guide offers seven human-centered…
7 Best Ways to Help Someone Who Is Grieving
1. Listen, Without Trying to Fix It
When someone is grieving, your presence often speaks louder than any words. One of the most meaningful ways to offer support is to simply listen—without trying to solve their problems, soothe their pain, or change their mood.
Allow your loved one to lead the conversation. If they want to talk about the person they lost, give them that space. If they fall silent, honor that quiet as well. Grief has no set rhythm, and sometimes, all a person needs is your quiet company, a non-verbal affirmation that says, ‘I’m here with you.’
Pro Tip: For those connecting virtually, remember that digital guestbooks and online tribute pages can also serve as powerful spaces for sharing memories and stories. Your active listening, even from afar, is invaluable.”
2. Validate Their Feelings, Don’t Dismiss Them
Statements like “They’re in a better place” or “At least they lived a long life” might come from a good place—but can unintentionally feel dismissive. People don’t want to be told how to feel. They want to feel seen.
Instead of reframing their pain, acknowledge it:
- “This sounds really hard. I’m here with you.”
- “You don’t have to be okay right now.”
Everyone’s grief is valid—regardless of the relationship, the timeline, or the outward appearance of strength.
3. Resist the Urge to Offer Unsolicited Advice
Even if you’ve been through loss yourself, grief is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Avoid phrases like:
- “When I lost my dad, what helped me was…”
- “You just need to keep busy.”
Unless they ask, it’s best not to offer solutions. Instead, offer space. If you’ve found helpful resources—such as online grief support groups or Everis’ grief companion tools—ask gently before sharing them.
4. Accept Their Grief, Even When It Shifts
Grief is nonlinear. One minute someone might be tearful. The next, angry. The next, completely numb. This emotional whiplash is entirely normal.
What they need from you: nonjudgmental acceptance.
Let them know:
- “You don’t need to explain how you’re feeling.”
- “However you show up today is okay.”
By offering consistency in a time of emotional chaos, you create safety and trust.
5. Stay Connected Beyond the Funeral
In the days immediately following a loss, people often rally around the grieving. But weeks later, that support tends to taper off—even though that’s often when grief deepens.
Set reminders to check in at 2 weeks, 1 month, their loved one’s birthday or death anniversary, etc. Even a quick text—“Thinking of you and [loved one’s name] today.”—can be incredibly meaningful.
6. Offer Specific, Tangible Help
Grief can make even the smallest task feel monumental. Instead of saying, “Let me know if you need anything,” try specific offers like:
- “I’m heading to the store. Can I drop off groceries?”
- “Would it help if I coordinated meal deliveries this week?”
- “I can walk your dog/tidy up your yard this weekend.”
For those planning a virtual funeral or cremation, helping them navigate online tools and paperwork can also be a huge relief. Everis simplifies this process, but your support in clicking through, uploading documents, or scheduling memorial events can go a long way.
7. Encourage Professional Support When Needed
Some grief feels isolating. If you sense your loved one is stuck in a fog they can’t move through—perhaps they’re not eating, not sleeping, or withdrawing from life—it may be time to suggest professional grief support.
You can say:
- “I wonder if talking to someone might help. Would you be open to that?”
- “I’ve found a few gentle options if you ever want to look together.”
In Summary: Your Presence is a Powerful Gift
Supporting someone through grief isn’t about finding perfect words; it’s about being a consistent, compassionate presence. Whether you’re assisting with practicalities like cremation planning or simply offering quiet companionship, your thoughtful care makes all the difference.
Here’s a quick recap of how you can truly help:
- Listen Actively: Without trying to solve or fix.
- Validate Feelings: Acknowledge their pain.
- Offer Space, Not Advice: Unless asked directly.
- Accept Their Reality: Emotions can shift rapidly.
- Stay Connected: Especially after initial support fades.
- Provide Tangible Help: Offer specific assistance.
- Suggest Professional Support: When it feels necessary.
FAQs About Supporting Someone Through Grief
Q: What if I don’t know what to say at all?
A: That’s okay. Silence can be powerful. Simply saying, “I don’t have words, but I’m here,” is often enough.
Q: How can I support someone grieving from afar?
A: Consider attending a virtual memorial, sending regular messages, or gifting something meaningful—like a donation in the loved one’s name or a digital tribute.
Q: Is cremation impersonal?
A: Not at all. At Everis, cremation is designed to be meaningful, personal, and modern—allowing families to hold memorials in their own way and time.
Q: What tools does Everis provide to help with grief support?
A: We offer digital memorial pages, grief wellness resources, access to licensed counselors, and planning tools to make the entire process simpler and more human.
Want to Learn More?
Whether you’re planning ahead or walking with someone through a recent loss, Everis is here as a guide. Our virtual funeral and direct cremation services are designed to be seamless, respectful, and built for modern needs—all while honoring the deeply personal nature of grief.
Explore our services or connect with a real person at everisforever.com
Still wondering how to help someone in grief?
Sometimes, being there is enough. And in a world that often rushes through pain, your presence—steady, compassionate, human—is a powerful gift.
