Did you visit funeral homes Evanston, IL, during the pandemic? The outbreak of the corona pandemic has further exposed the vulnerability of human life. Many of us know someone who has lost a loved one and the worse is, they couldn’t get the traditional support system due to restrictions.

During such critical times, it’s necessary for us to cheer them up, point out the positives in their lives, make them feel relieved, and smile again. Here are some of the appropriate ways to console a grieving friend.

1. Offer Ways to Personalize the Memory

For a grieving person, the memory of the lost loved one matters the most to go through the grief journey. You should guide the bereaved friend some unique ways to personalize the memory of the deceased, be it planting a tree, writing letters, arranging remembrance dinners, doing charity work in their name, or volunteering.

Such activities would also expedite the healing process.

2. Stay in Touch with Them

Grieving can last from a few weeks to several months. Many people offer condolences at the funeral services and move on with their lives. But as a friend, you should continue checking in on them.

Loneliness can plunge your friend into depression or complicated anxiety, so never leave them alone for long. A simple phone call will just take your two minutes but will provide untold comfort and satisfaction to your friend. Offer them help and ask what they need.

Your friend is likely to resist help but at least, let them know you will be there when needed.

3. Understand and Acknowledge Their Emotions

Grief is not a single emotion but a mix of various feelings and emotions. Normally, a bereaved passes through five stages of grief namely; denial, bargaining, anger, anxiety and depression, and acceptance of the loss.

Even though almost everyone passes through the above five stages of grief, one person’s grief is not the same as another’s. Also remember that the duration and intensity of grief vary significantly from person to person.

You have to understand which phase your close acquaintance is passing through and once you’re familiar with these stages, you would be better equipped to comfort your friend.

So, make sure you acknowledge their pain and be considerate in having conversations with them. Give them all the emotional support they need as that’s what friends are for.

4. Encourage Them to Involve in Healthy Activities

Never let your friend isolate himself for extended periods as it can further plunge them into depression. Try your best to convince them to indulge in healthy and fun activities.

Invite them to their favorite sports and arrange special events for them. In this way, you would carve a permanent place in their heart and also help them overcome anxiety and depression. Your funeral director at funeral homes Evanston, IL, can give you more ideas.