How to Help a Loved One with Grief

Do

• Actively listen – hear what is being said and acknowledge that each persons’ style of grieving will be unique.
• Remember nobody has to justify their feelings and the bereaved have suffered a loss, even if you don’t perceive it as such.
• Encourage the bereaved to express emotion (guilt, anger, sorrow, depression) without your judgement.
• Allow children, especially those over 4 years of age, to share in the grief process with adults.
• Be patient – the process of mourning after a significant loss takes time.

Don’t

• Stifle the grieving person’s desire to talk about their pet. Listen when stories are told over and over again.
• Be turned off by repetitive knock backs of your efforts to help.

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