End of Life Issues
Grieving
HOW TO HELP A
GRIEVING PERSON
Listening
Listening to grieving people is the most
important thing you can do. Listen in a nonjudging
way, and allow them to tell their stories
over and over if they need to.
Sharing
Share your memories of the loved one, too.
Reflect on the feelings they are experiencing
- but as you share, be careful not to start oneupping
their feelings, or comparing your loss
to theirs. And don’t say “I know exactly how
you feel.” It’s usually much more helpful to say
something along the lines of “I can’t imagine
what you must be feeling right now,” because
nutritious meals. Rest properly. Find an
exercise you enjoy and do it regularly. If you
have physical problems, consult with your
physician promptly.
• Find outside help when necessary. If your
bereavement feels too heavy for you to bear,
find a counselor or therapist trained in grief
issues to offer you some guidance.
When Is Mourning Finished?
When these “4 Tasks” of grieving are
completed.
• To accept the reality of the loss
• To adjust to an environment in which the
deceased is missing
• To experience the pain of the grief
• To withdraw emotional energy and
reinvest it in a new relationship
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