Speaking to Bereaved

a woman is crying while sitting on a couch next to a man.

It is never easy having to talk to someone who is newly grieving. Since grief doesn’t look the same for everybody, it can be tricky to figure out how they are feeling or what they are thinking. Fortunately, if you’ve found yourself in a similar situation with a friend or a loved one, we have some tips and suggestions for how to best navigate conversations with them. The important thing to remember is to remain supportive and available. Our funeral homes in Crystal Lake, IL are always open and willing to help all who walk through our doors. Give us a call or stop by for a visit!

Let The Bereaved Speak More

If you’ve never been through a tough loss in your life, then you may be unaware of just how much of a whirlwind of emotions it can stir up. Oftentimes, people who are grieving may have difficulty understanding or processing their own emotions. While it is recommended that people who are grieving spend time by themselves in order to give themselves time to understand their emotions and thoughts, it is also extremely beneficial for them to communicate with others. If your friend or loved one is dealing with a loss, one of the most important things to remember when speaking to them is that we should give them the space and time to reveal or express how they are feeling. This means that you should avoid taking over the conversation and let them guide it and begin it any way they choose. We suggest staying on topics that they have brought up themselves and going only as far as they venture to in conversation.

Show Your Support With Simple Questions

When speaking to someone who is grieving, it is not necessary or advised that you reply in long tangents of conversation. Remember, this is an extremely delicate time for your friend or loved one, so it’s important to keep the things that you say short, sweet, and to the point. We suggest voicing your support with simple questions. Some examples of simple questions to ask when having a conversation with them are, “Is there anything more I can do to help? Or “Do you want to talk more about it?” These questions are great at demonstrating to the grieving individual that you are genuinely concerned about their wellbeing and with helping them through the situation at hand.

Express Your Empathy and Grief

Another important thing to keep in mind when speaking with the bereaved is expressing openly your empathy and grief. Not enough people practice empathy or putting themselves in someone else’s shoes. This means that you should not be afraid to admit how this loss has affected you personally. Sharing your own difficulties can be much like a chain reaction and cause others to do the same. Additionally, don’t be afraid to say phrases such as, “I can’t imagine what you are feeling” because it shows that although you may not be able to relate, you are trying to empathize with their situation.

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