October 24, 2001    
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How would you help a grieving friend?

Well that kind of depends on what they're grieving about.

Ry, 23
NYC

I do not feel I am very good in that type of situation. Most people generally try to cheer their friends up and take things off their minds, but I tend to do the opposite. I try to get them to talk about whatever the issue may be and to reflect. I guess I end up being the shoulder to cry on

Aaron, 22
VA  USA

I WOULD AND HAVE BEEN THERE FOR A GRIEVING FRIEND BY BEING NEAR AND LISTENING AND DOING THINGS TO KEEP THEM BUSY BUT ALSO TALK ABOUT THE LOVED ONE THEY LOST.

Marci, 56
Diamond
, OH   USA

Lots of Hugs!

Melodi, 19
Gahanna
, OH   USA

By being there for her (or him). Providing loving support, responding to the needs of a particular moment, sharing my own experiences if appropriate.

Jane, 62
West Linn
, OR   USA

By listening, occasionally asking questions in a way that isn't prying but helps them to talk.

Alias Irrelevante

Just be there, I guess.

Karen, 22
Marshalltown/Ames
, IA  USA

I'd try to listen. Alot.

Laura, 36
Lowell
, MA    USA

Be available. Grief has many needs. Sympathy will show you what is needed.

Jill, 60
Saylorsburg
, PA  USA

by being there for him/her whether it be by listening, talking or just crying and sitting w/ them.

Patty

Through recent experience, I have found that being on hand with a warm hug, affording them enough privacy when they seem to need some "alone time" and talking/listening are the top three ways to be most supportive. Part of the listening process includes never invalidating someone's thoughts and feelings - everyone grieves in their own way.

Fisch, 46
Preston
, CT   USA

Anyway they would let me.

Celeste, 30
Colorado Springs
, CO  USA

Just be there for them in any way I could or in any way they needed me!  Sometimes too much talk and/or comforting is the opposite of what they need. Besides, it would completely depend on the particular person grieving as to how they would need to be comforted.

Tracy, 24
Ocean City
, NJ  USA

Just be there for them...sometimes words aren't necessary...but caring about what happens is.

Angela, 18
Bella Vista
, AR  USA

I'd be there for them. And I'd listen to them and cry with them and hold their hand every time they needed. There's nothing more terrible then grieving. Griveing a loved one is tough, so is grieving a lost job, grieving a broken relationship or grieving a bad hair cut. People need people to listen and to care.

Jaden, 21
Brampton, Ontario  CANADA

To be honest, I don't have a clue as to how to help a grieving friend effectively. The only thing I've ever know to do is to try and make them laugh or assure them that they will see this lost loved one again. It's just that I try to do or say things that I would want others to say or do for me. And that's how I have coped with grief. Laughter, and hope.

Lisa J., 23
TN  USA

By being there for them, being available to talk, comfort or soothe them.

Janet, 44
E. Brunswick
, NJ  USA

Yesterday / Tomorrow