Four Ways to Support a Grieving Friend During Social Isolation

The United States is currently gripped in unprecedented circumstances. Due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, many in the Chicagoland area are being forced to shelter in place. Even though the nation seems to have slowed to a crawl, people are still losing loved ones and are still going through the grieving process. If someone you cherish is currently going through the loss of a loved one, there are steps you can take without putting them (or yourself) at risk.

If you’re looking for tips to support grieving friends during quarantine in Chicago, IL, we’ve got you covered.

Call them

When you are incapable of visiting your grieving friends, a phone call may seem somewhat inadequate. That’s because it is. Whether you’re kickstarting a video chat or using a traditional landline, reaching out to your friend will work wonders. Simply offering to listen to your friend or offer your condolences is hugely effective.

Don’t just contact them once, either. Keep in touch with regular texts, emails and calls to remind your friend that they are in your thoughts.

Maintain the appropriate tone

When you’re talking through your friend or family member’s loss, be sure you’re comforting them, not minimizing their loss. Avoid using phrases like “This kind of thing happens,” or “You’ll get over it.” Unless you know you’re dealing with a religious person, you should also avoid saying something to the effect of “God works in mysterious ways.” These phrases may sound encouraging, but you could end up alienating your loved one because they aren’t able to express their genuine grief or thoughts.

Instead, keep your comments simple. Validate their emotions and express your sadness by saying something like “I’m so sorry you’ve lost someone dear to you.”

Ask how you can help

If you’d like to support grieving friends during quarantine in Chicago, IL, the best thing you can do is provide your services. Ask if you can do anything for them—cook a meal and drop it off, pick up groceries, write thank-you notes or do anything else that might take the burden of stress and sadness off their shoulders. You don’t have to force your help on your friend. Just let them know it’s available should they need it.

Don’t try to fix things

When you reach out to a mourning friend, you undoubtedly want to help. That’s admirable, but understand that grief is different for every person—it takes different amounts of time and other strategies. As a result, you shouldn’t try to fix your friend’s problems. Instead, be good about listening to them and letting them know you’re there to help if they require something.

An intimate mourning setting

At Marik-Baken Funeral Services Ltd., we’re committed to helping our community get through these trying times. That’s why we’re proud to offer tips for social distancing-friendly grief support in Chicago, IL, in addition to our high-quality funeral and memorial services. Regardless of how you’d like to celebrate your lost loved one, our team is ready to assist you. Pick up the phone and give us a call today to learn more about how we can help.

Categorised in: Grief

This post was written by Writer