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How to support someone who has lost a loved one
Losing a family member or friend can be one of the most difficult things anyone has to deal with. The bereaved person might feel shocked, angry, sad, guilty or, in some cases, feel nothing at all.
There is no normal or ‘right’ way to grieve and how someone reacts often depends on who died and how they died, as well as the bereaved person’s age, experience, personality, culture or religion. There is also no set time frame for when they will start feeling better – it will depend on the individual.
As their relative or friend, you play a vital role in helping them through this difficult time. If you’re not sure what you can do, Good Thinking has put together the following tips. You can also share our advice for adults who have lost a loved one and, if you’re supporting a child or teenager, we’ve also produced advice for young people.