How to Support Someone Who Is Grieving: What to Say and What to Avoid

How to Support Someone Who Is Grieving: What Helps and What Hurts

"Grief can be like driving down a road in the dark."

When someone you care about is facing profound loss or grief, it can feel impossible to know what to say or do. You may wonder:

  • What if I say the wrong thing?
  • Will I make it worse?
  • Should I bring it up or avoid it entirely?

Grief can be like driving down a road in the dark—sometimes, the only thing visible are the lines on the road, guiding you forward one step at a time. Without focusing on what you can see, you might avoid driving in the dark altogether—just as many avoid engaging with someone in crisis out of fear of saying the wrong thing.

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