7 ways to support someone through grief

Grief is an inevitable part of life, but that doesn’t make it any easier to face.

Watching a loved one go through such pain can leave you feeling helpless and unsure of what to say or do.

However, your presence, kindness, and thoughtfulness can make all the difference. Supporting someone through grief isn’t about fixing their pain – it’s about showing them that they are not alone.

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This article will explore meaningful ways to be there for someone grieving, ensuring that your love and support offer real comfort.

From emotional support to thoughtful gestures such as an ashes ring or a piece of ashes into glass jewellery, these acts can serve as lasting reminders that love never truly fades.

1. Be present without pressure

One of the most powerful things you can do for someone grieving is simply to be there. Often, people avoid talking about loss because they fear saying the wrong thing. However, silence or distance can feel like abandonment to someone in mourning.

Your loved one may not always want to talk, and that’s okay. Being physically present – whether sitting with them in quiet companionship, offering a hug, or just checking in regularly – can be incredibly comforting. Avoid pressuring them to “move on” or “stay strong.” Instead, let them process their grief in their own way and time.

Practical ways to be present:

Visit regularly, even if just for a cup of tea.
Offer practical help, such as cooking a meal or running errands.
Send a text or make a call just to let them know you’re thinking of them.

2. Listen more than you speak

Grieving people often feel overwhelmed with emotions, and one of the best gifts you can give is a listening ear. Instead of trying to offer solutions or clichés such as “everything happens for a reason,” allow them to share their thoughts and feelings freely.

Active listening involves being fully engaged- making eye contact, nodding, and offering affirmations like “I’m here for you” or “That must be really difficult.” This helps the bereaved person feel seen and understood.

If they prefer not to talk, let them know that’s okay too. Just your presence can be a source of comfort.

3. Acknowledge the person they’ve lost

Many people fear bringing up the deceased, thinking it will remind their loved one of their loss. The truth is, they haven’t forgotten – it’s already on their mind. Acknowledging their loved one by name and sharing fond memories can be incredibly meaningful.

Ways to honour their loved one:

Share a story about the person who passed away.
Use their name in conversation instead of saying “they” or “the deceased.”
Ask your grieving loved one about their favourite memories.

A beautiful way to keep their memory alive is with a sentimental keepsake. Many people find comfort in memorial jewellery, such as an ashes ring or ashes into glass jewellery. These unique pieces hold a small amount of cremation ashes, transforming them into a lasting tribute that can be worn and cherished forever.

4. Offer thoughtful gestures of comfort

When words fail, small gestures can speak volumes. Grief is exhausting, and everyday tasks can feel overwhelming. Offering practical help shows your loved one that they are supported.

Some thoughtful ways to help include:

Cooking homemade meals or stocking their freezer with easy-to-heat dishes.
Helping with household chores like cleaning, laundry, or shopping.
Sending a handwritten note or sympathy card.

Gifts can also bring comfort, especially if they hold sentimental value. Personalised jewellery, such as an ashes ring, can be a touching reminder that their loved one is still with them in spirit.

5. Respect their grieving process

Grief isn’t linear—there is no timeline for how long it “should” last. Everyone mourns differently, and there is no right or wrong way to process loss. Some people may need solitude, while others might want to surround themselves with friends and family.

Avoid making comparisons (“I know exactly how you feel”) or trying to force them to heal faster. Instead, reassure them that whatever they are feeling is valid and that you will stand by them, no matter what.

If their grief becomes overwhelming – leading to depression, withdrawal, or difficulty functioning – encourage them to seek professional support. Grief counselling or bereavement groups can provide guidance in a way that friends and family sometimes cannot.

6. Mark special dates with sensitivity

Anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays can be particularly painful reminders of loss. While time helps soften the pain, these dates can reignite grief. A small gesture on these days can mean a lot.

Ways to offer support on significant dates:

Send a message to say, “I’m thinking of you today.”
Light a candle in memory of their loved one.
Give a meaningful gift, such as ashes into glass jewellery, to honour their loved one’s memory.

Some grieving people might prefer to mark these days privately, while others may want to reminisce and celebrate their loved one’s life. Let them take the lead and follow their wishes.

7. Encourage self-care & healing

Grief takes a toll not just emotionally but physically as well. Sleep, appetite, and energy levels can all be affected. While you can’t take their pain away, you can encourage them to take care of themselves.

Gently suggest activities that might help, such as:

Going for a walk together in nature.
Encouraging them to rest and eat nourishing meals.
Suggesting creative outlets like journaling, painting, or music.

Remind them that self-care isn’t about forgetting their loved one – it’s about honouring them by continuing to live.

Final thoughts: love that lasts beyond loss

Grief doesn’t have an expiration date, and supporting a grieving loved one is an ongoing process. It’s about being patient, compassionate, and present – not just in the immediate aftermath of loss but in the months and years that follow.

Whether through heartfelt words, practical support, or a meaningful token such as an ashes ring or ashes into glass jewellery, your love and care can provide comfort during one of life’s hardest moments.

The most important thing is to remind them that they are not alone – love endures, even in loss. And that love, when shown through kindness and presence, truly lasts a lifetime.

This is a collaborative post.