Do & Dont's Of Grief Support
The first thing you should always do when supporting someone who is grieving
What is Offering a listening ear without judgment?
True or False: "Grief only happens after someone dies”
False (Grief can also occur after other types of loss, such as losing a job or relationship.)
True or False: If your friend is grieving, you should always try to keep them company and never let them be alone.
False; Some grieving individuals may need time alone to reflect, and it’s important to respect that space.
A common emotional reaction to grief that involves feeling deeply sad
What is depression or sadness?
True or False: Grief is accompanied by sadness and loss of motivation, and you can’t feel joy while grieving.
What is False? (Grief and joy can live interchangeably, and one without the other isn't feasible)
What you should you do if you’re unsure how to help a grieving person
What is asking them what they need or how you can support them?
True or False: “Everyone grieves in the same way.”
False (Grief is a personal experience and varies from person to person.)
When supporting a grieving friend, should you offer advice immediately?
What is No? (It’s better to listen and validate their feelings first.)
An emotional response to grief that involves feeling angry at the situation or others
What is anger?
True or False: Grieving is a universal experience, and people always react the same way to loss, regardless of their culture or background.
What is False? (Grief is experienced uniquely across different cultures and individuals.)
A good thing to acknowledge when helping someone who is grieving the loss of their pet
What is acknowledging the bond they had as if it was a normal human as well / be sympathetic?
True or False: “Grief has a set timeline.”
False (Grief is unique to each person and does not follow a specific timeline.)
If your grieving friend withdraws and doesn’t want to talk, what should you do?
What is respecting their need for space, but checking in periodically to let them know you’re available
An emotional reaction to grief that involves questioning the fairness of the situation
What is frustration?
True or False: People grieving the loss of a pet experience the same kind of grief as those grieving the loss of a human family member.
What is True? (Although different, pet loss can cause deep emotional grief for many people.)
True or False: If a grieving person declines invitations or doesn’t want to talk, it’s important to keep prying and asking if they’re okay
False; Respecting their need for space and offering continued support later is essential.
True or False: “People who are grieving should avoid talking about their loss often.”
False (Talking about the loss can be a healthy way to process grief.)
What should you avoid doing in conversation when supporting a grieving friend?
What is avoid offering unsolicited advice or trying to “fix” their grief
An emotional reaction might someone experienced when they feels responsible for the loss, even if it’s not their fault.
What is Guilt?
True or False: Avoiding reminders of a loss, such as photos or old belongings, can sometimes help in managing grief.
What is False? (Facing reminders and gradually integrating them into life can help with the healing process.)
It is important to encourage someone grieving to express their feelings, even if they are messy or uncomfortable because...
Expressing emotions with open communication can help people process grief and begin to heal.
True or False: “It’s better to tell someone who is grieving to ‘move on’ after a long period.”
False (Grief doesn’t have a set expiration date, and people should be allowed to grieve in their own time.)
True or false: You should stop checking in on someone 2 weeks after they experience a loss?
False; grief can last weeks or even months and can last longer than the immediate aftermath.
A common emotional response to grief when someone is in disbelief or shock
What is Denial?
True or False: Professional therapy or counseling is only helpful for people experiencing severe or complicated grief, not for those grieving the loss of a job or pet.
What is False? (Therapy can be helpful for anyone experiencing grief, regardless of the severity of the loss.)