The Importance of Close Friends After a Loss

It is easy to feel lost and alone after the loss of a loved one. Thankfully, you aren’t truly alone. Your friends are there to love and support you. Sometimes, all you have to do is reach out.

Friends and Coping With Grief

Good friends will stick with you through thick and thin. And after the death of a loved one, a good friend will be there to support you in your grief. Friends can be there for you if you need a shoulder to cry on, or for a good distraction Try spending time with your friends as a way to cheer yourself up. Friends can help work through your grief, but they can also help brighten your day. 

Asking for Help

Many people that are coping with grief feel like they shouldn’t burden others with their pain. But a good friend will understand, and be there for you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether you need to talk out your feelings, need a good distraction, or you just need a hug. 

What Friends Can Do

If your close friend is coping with the loss of a loved one, be there for them. When they need someone to talk to, be there for them. If they need help clearing out their loved one’s belongings, lend a hand. If they seem too depressed to go on with the day, spend the day with them. If you are unsure what to do to help them, start by asking if they need help with a specific task. Spend a day watching movies and ordering takeout. Or go out and try to get them to have fun. Self-care is important during grief, so help your friend maintain themselves. Lastly, if your friend cancels plans because they are too sad or upset to go out, go pay them a visit anyway. Being there for your friend when they are distraught is important.

The author of this post is not a professional therapist or counselor. For assistance in finding a grief counselor that is right for you, there are a number of resources out there. For our Grief Resource Center, written by Dr. Bill Webster, click here. 
For over 50 years, Matthew Funeral Home has been serving the Staten Island community. We can help with almost every aspect of your loved one’s memorial service. Our family is here to serve yours, every step of the way.