When a Bereaved Person is Feeling Down
If a loved one or acquaintance is feeling down this season, here's some advice on how to respond:
- Understand they're going through this and don't expect them to feel good.
- It's important not to cheer them up. You have to feel bad when you feel bad.Trying to cheer
them up may make them feel guilty or keep their feelings inside. It doesn't help them work
through their grief.
- Be supportive if the person doesn't want to participate in holiday traditions or wants to do
something different.
- Ask about the person's holiday plans, and assist if he or she wants you to.
- They need to figure out what's do-able and what's too much for them. When you ask about
plans, it gets them thinking.
- If someone's feeling down and you want to invite them to do something with you, do it gently
and don't insist.
- Even do some problem-solving with them: "What would it be like if you did this or didn't do
that?"
- Don't take it personally when your invitation is rejected or your offers of help are turned
aside.