Grief is a natural response to loss. And while time can heal all wounds, the healing process is often challenging. If the grief is not dealt with appropriately, the situation may spiral and lead to depression. Therefore, it is essential for you to pay special attention to any family member who is having a tough time coping with a loss.
During this tumultuous time, your support and comfort can go a long way in aiding your relatives to heal from their grief. Even though you might not be able to fully alleviate their pain, what you say and do can make a difference. Read on to learn how you can help your family members cope with their grief.
1. Take an active role in planning the funeral service
It is natural for your relatives to be overwhelmed with grief during this trying time. During such circumstances, it is challenging for them to process their emotions while planning a funeral service. After all, arranging a funeral can be complicated given the various factors to consider.
During this time, you can offer your assistance in planning the funeral arrangements. Even if you are not close to your relatives, this gesture can still make a significant difference, as it allows them more time to grieve properly. If you are unsure of what to do, you can consider speaking to a reliable funeral director who can assist you with the necessary arrangements.
2. Offer practical support
Despite being overwhelmed with grief, your family members may feel guilty about troubling others. As such, they may turn down any requests to help after the funeral service. But that does not mean you shouldn’t be there for them. Instead, try offering support that is more specific to their needs.
It can be a simple gesture, such as assisting them with their grocery shopping or ensuring they have eaten their proper meals. You can consider going about it in a subtle fashion if you are concerned that they might turn you down. For example, you can let them know that you have cooked extra portions of food and are bringing them over to share or that you are in the neighbourhood and wanted to check in on them.
3. Lend a listening ear
Sometimes, what your family members need is a listening ear. They may want to talk about their feelings or reminisce about their time with the departed. Occasionally, the conversation can get emotional, taking a heavy toll on your relatives. While it is tempting to divert the conversation when this happens, you should avoid doing so as it may make them feel that they cannot be honest with you.
Instead, be there to lend a listening ear so that they feel heard and validated. Your family members may want to get their feelings off their chest, and talking about their emotions with you may be their way of processing their grief after the funeral service.
4. Help them take a break from their grief
The Dual Process Model posits that a person oscillates between avoiding their loss and confronting it. It also suggests that seeking respite from one’s grief is a healthy part of coping with a loss. After all, a person needs some time to feel normal and engage in activities to give themselves a positive boost of emotion. As such, it is helpful to offer your family members distractions from their grief from time to time.
At the end of the day, it is vital to remember that everyone takes their own time to grief and overcome a loss, and that’s okay. The essential thing is to be there for your relatives when they need it the most.
If you notice a family member is struggling to cope with the demands of arranging a funeral, you can consider hiring a funeral service provider in Singapore to assist them.
At Confidence Funeral Services, our funeral directors possess years of experience in the industry and can offer effective support and a listening ear to help ease your relatives’ concerns. Do not hesitate to contact us if you require assistance.