Offering Grief Support During a Funeral

The loss of a loved one causes a substantial heartache, and can bring on devastating grief. It is not always clear how to be supportive for someone who is going through the emotionally difficult challenge of loss. Everyone has his or her own way of grieving, but there are things you can do to offer grief support to someone during a funeral . Continue reading for tips on how you can help a friend during this time.

Remember the Deceased

A funeral, while a time of mourning , is also a time to reflect on the deceased’s life. It is beneficial to the grieving process to reflect upon loving reminiscences, life accomplishments, and significant memories. Conversations and stories about a loved one who has passed on can be healing, and should be encouraged at a funeral.

Know What Not to Say

It may be tempting to offer your grieving friend a comforting cliché, but these types of sentiments should be avoided. These sort of statements, while they mean well, can undermine the healing process. To be supportive, the best thing you can do for a friend is to listen to your friend talk about his or her feelings. Try not to get hung up on how you will respond; just focus on letting your friend talk openly about the grief. You should also not be afraid to leave your friend alone if he or she needs space to grieve.

Offer Continual Support

Grieving does not end once the funeral is over. It is a process that takes time, and there are things you can do to offer your support after a funeral. Regularly check in with your friend—this can be weekly or monthly. Simply letting your friend know that you are thinking of him or her can be comforting. You can offer to help with daily tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, or shopping. Acknowledge the deceased on holidays, anniversaries, and other dates when a loved one will be remembered.

If you or someone close to you has lost a loved one, Chapel of the Chimes offers grief counseling in Oakland, in addition to our funeral home services. Call us at (510) 654-0123 to learn more about how we can help you.