People can be very supportive in the initial days after a death. There are lots of things for them to do: help to make funeral arrangements, notify other friends and family of the death, and take care of day-to-day chores. It's a matter of being friends: taking on the necessary tasks so survivors have the time and energy to actively mourn their loss.
Unfortunately, once the funeral is over, things can change dramatically. This support system can dissolve quickly as people return to their normal routines. The phone stops ringing and the bereaved may find their days and nights to be long and lonely.
The death of a loved one can be one of the most challenging experiences to cope with, but there are many meaningful ways to show support to grieving individuals. During this time of sorrow, providing comfort and support to those who have lost a loved one is essential. There are many things individuals can do to show support for grieving loved ones, whether it’s by sending a card or flowers, visiting their home, or attending the funeral. Providing support after death can have a lasting impact on both the grieving family and friends, as it can help alleviate some of the pain associated with the loss. Here are a few tips on ways to show support after death:
James Worden writes that the four things that must be completed in order to adjust to the death of a significant other are:
Those four tasks define the work of grieving. When you choose to become an ally to someone in mourning, it becomes your responsibility to support them in achieving those things within their time frame—not yours.