It takes experience to provide emotional support for someone who has recently lost a loved one. Some cultures have long considered death to be a taboo subject. A culture that is unprepared to support people who experience pain after losing a loved one, is a culture that does not normalize death. Due to a lack of preparation or avoidance of the subject of death, many individuals find themselves unprepared to offer sincere comfort or support, and instead, offer statements full of clichs that are usually not helpful to the person experiencing grief and loss. Avoid Clichd or Worn-Out Statements of Comfort Using overused and tired expressions of understanding can make those who are grieving, feel as though you have little sympathy for them. Unfortunately, this is despite the fact that our condolences were given with the best of intentions. We all want to offer support and comfort to a person going through a grieving process. Avoid Using Repetitious Statements of Condolence Using the same terms for every bereavement situation, regardless of the person impacted or the specifics and idiosyncrasies of each instance, might be a negative idea because it demonstrates a limited grasp of grief. This perceived lack of empathy may potentially affect the recipient and make their suffering worse. Understanding someones circumstance requires empathy to communicate in accordance with their unique situation, instead of using a small number of oft-repeated, and sometimes, unhelpful phrases. Statements That Should Not Be Shared With Someone Who Is Grieving Sadly, the words that should never be said when someone is grieving are also the phrases that are used most frequently. And, regrettably, when accompanying someone on this journey, the following phrases frequently come to mind. Trate de no pensar en ello. To suggest that someone avoid or put aside their grief minimizes their suffering. It goes without saying that during the mourning process, the person experiencing a loss is unable to think about anything else.. Time heals everything. Although this phrase is not wrong, it is the last thing that comes to mind when someones grief is new and fresh. Managing daily issues while harboring grief may keep them from looking ahead, because the short term is all-consuming. Tienes que ser fuerte. Even the most level-headed and mature individuals experience periods of emotional hardship, weakness and fragility. At such a trying time, encouraging someone to be strong is nothing short of foolish. You have to move on. This phrase is only one of several that should never be used when someone has just experienced loss. This expression can exacerbate the pain and negate their loss as merely another chapter in life that can be closed so new one can begin. Don't cry. Crying is perfectly acceptable. In fact, it is highly advised that you express yourself honestly and publicly as you experience your feelings. Not only is it pointless to ask someone not to cry, but it is also potentially detrimental to their healing. Maternity Bereavement Assistance Sometimes a lack of concern for others needs is manifested during phases like gestational grief. We must realize that one of the most difficult psychological experiences is mourning the loss of an infant during pregnancy or soon after birth. Although there are support systems and grief counseling available for individuals who were anticipating a new life, prenatal and postnatal grief in this situation is frequently experienced in isolation and quiet. You should always avoid sharing the following statements with someone who is grieving the loss of an unborn child or infant. At least you avoided becoming attached. Youll have more kids because youre younger. Look toward the future. Instead of assisting the mother and her partner, these remarks can leave parents feeling misunderstood. Its important to acknowledge the loss and validate their suffering. The best course of action is to just listen without passing judgment or to remain silent in your support. Suggestions To Support Someone Going Through a Grieving Period Supporting a loved one or friend during a bereavement does not include erasing their sorrow and suffering at a specific time. Its critical to understand that there isnt a word or statement that can instantly stop the pain and alleviate the grieving process. Demonstrate Love and Support Friendship, understanding and respect will help us avoid phrases that should never be shared when expressing sympathy or condolences. First and foremost, we should demonstrate that we are available to those who are grieving, both by our words and our actions. Invite Them To an Activity A supper, a walk or some other form of activity, rather than just a message, is the ideal way to demonstrate our support for someone. Such ethereal expressions of support need to be accompanied by actual action. Combined with the appropriate level of warmth and interaction, our time can provide crucial emotional support for someone grieving a recent loss. Offering friendship, love, respect and support can help someone through their grief process. In time, both the giver and receiver will flourish and become stronger. Southern Cremations Funerals operates full-service funeral homes and crematories in the Atlanta Metro area. Our current locations include Marietta, Fairburn and McDonough. We offer all-inclusive Funeral Packages and Cremation Packages that save families up to 50 percent. We also own and operate three cemeteries, including Cheatham Hill Memorial Park in Marietta, Holly Hill Memorial Park in Fairburn, and Eastlawn Memorial Park in McDonough.