Grief Support with your Loved Ones

Loss is painful and may change how your partner behaves and treats you. These changes can challenge your relationship. Let these tips guide you in how to maintain a healthy relationship with your partner after they face a significant loss.

1. Give your loved ones some space. Respect their need for time and privacy as they work through their own grief.

2. Be understanding if they are moody, irritable, or withdrawn. Grief can cause all sorts of emotions to surface.

3. Do not take their outbursts personal. It is not about you.

4. Offer your support in any way you can. Whether it’s listening, helping with funeral arrangements, or just being there for them, let them know that you are available.

5. Avoid putting added stress on yourself. This will only prolong the healing process and cause more pain for everyone involved.

6. Take care of yourself. Eat healthily, get enough sleep, and exercise when you can.

7. Remember that grief is a unique process for everyone. What works for one person may not work for another. Be patient and let them find their own way through it.

8. Be there for your loved ones as long as they need you. Grief can be a long and difficult process.

9. If there is a will or estate, make time to talk to your loved one about divvying up assets or moving forward in probate. For example, ask: “What do you think they would have wanted us to do with it?” This simple conversation can avoid future family in-fighting.

10. Most importantly, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Grieving is hard work and it’s easy to neglect your own needs in favour of those of your loved ones. But you need to be strong in order to support them. So make sure you find time for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes each day to relax and recharge.