Death is a painful reality to accept for many. The case especially applies to a person who committed suicide. The pain, grief, and struggle experienced by friends and family members remain apparent. While you can express condolences, it is essential to remain sensitive to their emotions and avoid misguided beliefs. The following suggestions should help you offer support to a friend who lost someone to suicide.
Recall wonderful memories
One way to provide support involves commemorating beautiful memories. The conversation should focus on remembering experiences that shaped the friendship. You can focus on times when the person shared a laugh, achieved success, or celebrated a milestone. The approach offers ways for people to the griever to identify the positive encounters amidst the current reality of loss.
Offer a hug
Another way is to offer a hug to the person who experienced a loss. The gesture creates a significant impact as it helps show the different emotions. It also provides a strong connection between the griever and the visitor. It is one of the sympathy gifts you can offer, and the value of your presence adds appreciation to the challenges of accepting the loss of someone important.
Fulfill Tasks or Errands
Part of the grieving process involves the inability to function routine tasks. An effective way to create an impact comes from fulfilling chores or errands. Try to do errands, grocery shopping, or cleaning. It gives your friend the chance to focus on handling the situation and not deal with other things. The move helps validate your effort to assist.
Give gifts
You can give your friend sympathy gifts as a way to show support. Simple items such as chimes and plaques help rekindle positive memories. Some companies offer ways to further customize by including a favorite line or quote. While the situation did not end positively, there is an opportunity for people to feel saddened by the loss and deal with the issue more reflectively.
Avoid unsolicited advice
Offering unsolicited advice is an act you should try to avoid. The person who experienced a loss does not need to hear an opinion on how to get over the situation. Instead, the griever deals with the current struggle of losing someone. Your advice to cheer up or think something different might appear as insensitive to the mixed emotions.
Avoid asking difficult questions
Trying to inquire about the suicide from a close friend also creates challenges to the griever. That is why you should be sensitive in asking questions that can create an awkward and hurtful scenario. Instead of probing to get information, focus on building connections. Your friend will let you know the reasons if they want to share.
The Bottom Line
Overall, people react differently to death, including losing someone to suicide. Despite the different reactions, it is expected that they struggle with the present. The tips above should help you address the situation and maintain a level of respect to their emotions. While words of encouragement matter, it is the ability to become present that hold significance to someone who lost an essential part of their life.
Losing someone you love is a very painful experience one has to go through. With sympathy gifts, you can show your support when words aren’t enough. Visit Remember Me Gifts online today.
