It may be challenging to know how to comfort a friend who is experiencing loss or pain. You don’t need to say the incorrect thing, but saying nothing can be just as upsetting. One of the most important things you can do is help your friends when needed.
Good friends exhibit vulnerability and consistency, but it can be challenging to determine what to say or do when someone is struggling. You want to be a good friend to them in this period, but how can you help?
Here, we discuss seven ways to comfort your sad friend.
A Hug Can Express Everything.
During a challenging time, hugs can help your loved one feel cared for and supported. This is actually due to scientific causes. Giving and receiving hugs can raise your level of oxytocin, a hormone linked to happiness and reduced stress.
Provided you feel relaxed enough to do so, open your arms and give your friend a warm hug. It may be an ideal thing to provide them with comfort.
Grief to Support the Bereaved.
Bereavement support, also known as grief support, assists friends and family in understanding and communicating their feelings at this difficult time. As soon as possible, when a loved one passes away, interact with the bereaved person.
This interaction can be a text message, telephone call, personal visit, sympathy card, or flowers if you can join the memorial service. They must identify that you care enough to support them through this brutal incident.
End a Quick and Thoughtful Text.
While face-to-face meetings, video chats, and phone conversations promote deeper connections, people aren’t only sometimes ready to communicate. That’s alright! The next best thing to reach out to a friend who you know withdraws socially during difficult times can be a quick and thoughtful text message. A brilliant text message should be open-ended, flattering, and personal.
Listen to them Quietly.
Sometimes, the most excellent method to comfort someone is to be quiet. Let your friends converse as much and as little as they want to, and try not to disturb them. The more you let them tumble their heart out to you, the better they’ll feel.
For example, When you and your friend are chatting, put away all other distractions and give them your entire focus.
To indicate that you’re listening and encourage them to continue, nod in agreement and make eye contact.
Accept your Friend’sFriend’s Feelings.
Let the heartbroken person recognize that it’s alright to cry in front of you, to get annoyed, and to break down. Avoid arguing with them about how they need to or don’t need to feel. The bereaved must feel free to express their feelings, no matter how unreasonable, without fear of rejection, disagreement, or judgment because grief is an intensely emotional experience.
Acknowledge about their Emotions.
Nobody wants to feel like their emotions are illogical. When individuals pursue relief from others, they often seek emotional validation. They get the impression from this that you understand what they’re going through and accept them.
It’s essential to display emotional care without trying to give guidance or lessen their experience. Invalidating responses convey a negative message, so it’s crucial to respond with emotionally validating statements to understand and appreciate the person’s feelings truly.
Try to Cheer them up.
It’s normal to want to comfort someone crying by smiling, making jokes, or telling them it’s “no big deal” or whatever is bothering them. A person who is upset may offer a tour of their melancholic landscape, highlighting blue-tinged landmarks rather than simply stating that there is nothing.
They may feel that something is significant even though it may not seem so to you. Instead of dismissing their experience, lead them through it.
