Grief will affect every one of us differently and at different times in our lives. Grief may strike any time, and we cannot predict when or how we will feel it. But one thing is sure: to get through it, we need support.
Similarly, the grieving process can make anyone feel sluggish and ill. Being in grief is such a profoundly personal experience that others around may be unsure of their place or how to react. When we find someone grieving, we could also find it awkward to respond.
Grieving is difficult, especially if you don’t have a support system nearby. It’s crucial to provide your long-distance friend the greatest support when you’re apart if they’re going through a difficult time.
Here are some suggestions for helping a grieving friend who is far away
Stay in Touch
You should keep in touch as much as possible when a long-distance friend is grieving. Even a brief text message lets your friend know you are thinking about them and are there to help if they need it. Even virtual conference applications may be used to make interactions a little more private. Staying in touch with a friend also lets you keep an eye on how they’re doing, so you know if they’re having a bad day or falling into a funk.
Be a Good Listener
Regardless of what’s causing your friend’s grief, there’s a good chance they’d like to talk to someone about it. While your friend is dealing with the most challenging stages of grief, make sure you’re there to listen to them when they need to talk. You don’t have to offer advice or make conversation as long as you provide a positive environment for your friend to vent and deal with emotions.
Be Honest
Even though some topics might be awkward to broach, you must do your best, to be honest about the loss they’re going through. Being open and honest about the loss is one of the nicest things you can do for a long-distance friend, even if you’re not very comfortable with the idea of death or discussing it in depth.
Send or do something meaningful
Flowers are great, but there are far more helpful things you can do or send than flowers. If you are far away and unable to be there in person, you can send a care package or sympathy gift basket filled with items they probably need while grieving. You may also express your respect for their loss by sending them cremation jewelry or an urn, which makes a kind present, but also demonstrates your concern for their emotional needs as a friend.
Make arrangements for cleaning
Arranging cleaning services would be another sensible choice. It can involve assembling a group of friends to perform it or hiring cleaning services. Most likely, cleaning their house or environment can be a therapeutic and meaningful way to provide them with a tidy and organized environment.
Talk with their Friends and Family
It can be hard to tell how someone is doing from a text message or a phone call, so try chatting with friends and family of those friends who live far to check upon them. Family and friends will often notice the small behavioral changes familiar with grief. You don’t have to call or text your friends and family daily, but you should at least ask them to tell you how your friends are sometimes. The longer you can stay connected, the more you can do to help your friends who are grieving from afar.
Say something other than “I’m Sorry For Your Loss”
Many of us are at a loss for words when hearing of someone else’s grief. So we express by saying sorry for their loss. But we don’t mean that. Hearing “I’m sorry” from someone who has lost a loved one is rarely consoling to them. This statement separates us from our loved ones’ grief and puts the onus of consoling us on them. It also ends any further discussion of their grief. There are plenty of additional ways to express our love and support for our grieving friend.
Show your love
Some people need to talk about their pain or take advice from friends, but many just want love when they’re going through a tough time. If your long-distance friend is grieving, now is the most important time to show them how much you love and care for them. You can express your love with words, gifts, pictures, videos, and more. Whatever you do, make sure your friend knows how much you love them during a difficult life phase.
Ask related questions
Again, grief makes it difficult for us to know what to say as a friend or loved one. The best way to make the situation less awkward is simply asking questions. If you are not sure where to start, then you can start with questions like –
- What are you doing to take care of yourself?
- Is there anything I can do to help?
- Have you talked to anyone?
- How are others that are grieving from this doing?
Remember, asking questions out of care and love can induce trust and closure to talk about inner feelings.
One of the most challenging life experiences can be going through the loss of a loved one. This life phase can turn brutal if no close support system is available. To make a long-distance friend who is grieving, make sure you do everything possible.
The Takeaway!
Even though you won’t be able to change things or make them feel better, show them how much you care. Make efforts to reassure them that they are not alone and there is still life after losing someone you love.
