Attending a funeral service at funeral homes Johnstown, PA, is always an awkward experience for many people precisely as they don’t know how to offer their condolences to the bereaved. At the same time, verbal support and empathy are also crucial for your grieving friend or family member during such overwhelming times.
Psychologists conjure that a few words of condolences can make your close ones happy; bring a smile on their face; and give them emotional relief. We have compiled a guideline on how to offer your well-meaning and appropriate condolences to the bereaved.
Let the Bereaved Speak More
The most important thing is to let the grieving person share their emotions without any interruptions. Avoid taking the lead or changing the subject when the bereaved is mentioning the death subject or sharing his/her inner feelings. Simply listening to them and sharing their feelings without uttering a word can comfort them.
Don’t hesitate to extend your emotional support if they want to cry their eyes out. The bereaved feels much better knowing their loss is being acknowledged. Let them know the deceased will never be forgotten and his/her memory will be alive forever.
Show Your Support Through Simple Questions
Never go straight to the condolences especially if the grieving person was very close to the lost loved one. Talk candidly about the deceased and when seemed appropriate, ask sensitive questions such as “I am always here for you”, “Do you feel talking?”, “Is there anything I can do for you?”
Such questions will invite them to express their feelings which expedites the healing journey.
Express Your Empathy and Grief
Always try to make the grieving person realize that you acknowledge their loss and emotions. That you are there to listen to them and offer any kind of help if needed.
Start from something simple such as, “I am still in shock on hearing the news”, “I can’t believe he/she (name) has left us”, “I am sorry it happened to you”. By acknowledging the situation, you are sharing the feelings of the bereaved.
After offering your condolences, extend your unconditional support and love. Losing a loved one is the most traumatic experience for anyone and the grieving person is emotionally overwhelmed. With every word of sympathy and support, the pain lessens and the healing process accelerates.
Never Compare Their Emotions Or Loss
Never even think of comparing their emotions just because you have gone through a similar experience in the past. It may work sometimes but mostly; it creates an uncomfortable situation.
Avoid using sentences such as It’s God Plan”, “You still have many things to be thankful for”, “he/she is in a better place right now.”
Don’t Stop Them from Crying
One of the worst things you can do is to dictate to the grieving person what they should or shouldn’t do. It’s perfectly natural for them to get carried away in front of loved ones. If you can’t do anything else, hug them press their hands, or have sympathetic eye contact.
Sometimes, the feelings of the bereaved may look irrational, but be genuine in your communication and don’t interrupt or criticize them. You may notice affecting behavior at funeral homes Johnstown, PA, as well.
