Knowing what to say or do to console a loved one after a loss can be difficult.
The most important thing you can do is simply be there and offer your caring presence.
Showing physical support for grief is not the only way to help them; you can also support a grieving person through the internet.
For one, you can support a bereaved person online by not tagging them in a photo of the deceased.
Receiving numerous notifications and tags from people can be emotionally draining and exhausting, so try to avoid tagging a grieving person as much as possible.
Also, do not be quick to post a farewell about the deceased immediately after receiving news of their death.
It is not your place to announce a person's death before their family and close friends.
Consider the extent of your closeness with the bereaved or deceased before announcing the death on social media.
Furthermore, spreading false information about a deceased can be detrimental to their reputation and traumatic for their family.
Incorrect information spreads fast; therefore, confirm any information before sharing it on social media.
Continue reading to learn more on how you can support a grieving person through the internet:
One way you can support a grieving person through the internet is by not tagging them when you post a photo of the deceased on your social media.
People who are grieving need not be reminded of their loss, so as much as possible, avoid tagging them in posts that serve as a reminder.
While your intentions may be good, constantly tagging a grieving friend in online posts of their loved one could be challenging for them.
Even though sharing an image or a video that reminds you of the person who died is a way for you to mourn them, it could be harmful or disrespectful to their family as they grieve.
Also, sharing your thoughts or memories of the deceased with them in their private message can be comforting for loved ones.
But being inundated with messages and tags from so many people can be overwhelming.
Furthermore, avoiding tagging a grieving person doesn't mean you can never tag them.
You can tag a grieving person on posts that uplift their spirits and show that you care and support them.
Be respectful and sensitive in your words.
The aim is to offer support, not remind them of their loss.
Another way to support a grieving person through the internet is by not being quick to make a farewell post about the deceased.
It can be really upsetting for the bereaved to learn the news of their loved one via social media, so try as much as possible not to make a farewell post until you are sure those closest to the deceased have been informed.
Some people feel compelled to write farewell messages on the deceased personal page as soon as they learn of their passing, not minding the possibility of ignorance of the news to family members and close friends.
So, if you are privy to the news of the deceased passing and you aren't a close family member, it's not your place to announce it unless you've been asked to do so.
Your silence shows your respect for the family and gives them time to alert all family members about the death personally.
Wait for the family's lead to officially announce the person's death before you make a comment or post about it.
Furthermore, even after you are certain news of the death has spread, you should still consider sticking to a simple comment of condolences on the bereaved's social media page, not a stand-alone post on your page.
One way to support a grieving person through the internet is by desisting from spreading false information.
If you ever decide to post about the news of the death on social media, make sure that whatever information you share is correct, not gossip or hearsay.
Sharing false information can be embarrassing and traumatic for the family or friends of the deceased.
The bereaved should be focused on grieving and not on working to debunk rumors and false news about the deceased.
Also, when you share false information, you lose the trust and respect of your friend.
Due to the stress your information may cause your grieving friend, they may decide to stop being friends with you because they feel like they can't trust your words or depend on you.
Furthermore, before you share any facts, ask yourself if the information is genuine or if you are in the best position to share the information.
Err on the side of caution and do not post anything you have not taken due diligence to verify.
Another way to support a grieving person through the internet is by being considerate and understanding when they refuse to reply to your messages.
Grieving is mentally and emotionally exhausting, and a grieving person may not have the time, energy, or desire to read and respond to posts and messages on social media.
Always try to be considerate and compassionate about what they are going through.
Remember ??? it's not supposed to be about you!
Try to make it known that they are not obliged to respond and can respond when they feel most comfortable.
Also, although receiving messages of condolences may be a huge comfort, it can be overwhelming for the bereaved.
Try to keep your messages short, thoughtful, and straightforward.
Do not bombard them with messages; the aim is to support and care.
Furthermore, when going through the different stages of grief, a grieving person may choose to be distant and stay away from social media and friends.
Understanding when your friend is going through the stages of grief helps you support them better.
One of the ways to support a grieving person through the internet is by offering to connect them with an online support group.
Sometimes helping a grieving friend connect with people with similar experiences can help them on their healing journey.
Support groups can help to grieve persons learn coping skills from others and exchange ideas and emotions for handling difficult grieving stages.
For people who are not comfortable grieving with their family or in front of them, having a safe space to release their emotions is good for their mental health.
Also, not all grief support groups are appropriate for a grieving person, so make it your business to conduct proper research on grief support groups and help select the ones you think would benefit your grieving friend.
Furthermore, do not force your offer on them.
It is possible that your grieving friend to refuses to join a support group.
Try not to make a big deal about it and cause them to feel guilty.
Always remember that as a friend of the bereaved, your job is to provide grief support.
They need your care, kindness, and encouragement.
Be a resource to a grieving friend. While trying to be supportive, give your friend the necessary space.
You can support a grieving person through the internet by not tagging them in a photo of the deceased, by not rushing to make a farewell post on your social media page, by not spreading false information about the dead, by being understanding when they do not reply your messages, and offering to connect them to an online support group.
https://www.health.com/mind-body/grief-support-groups
https://time.com/5118994/advice-for-helping-grieving-friend/
https://mashable.com/article/facebook-etiquette-grief
https://www.funeralbasics.org/death-social-media-10-dos-and-donts-for-social-platforms/
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/grief-how-to-support-the-bereaved
https://www.everplans.com/articles/the-unwritten-rules-about-dealing-with-death-on-social-media
Grief may feel worse at night because sleep disturbances are common during the grieving process. As nighttime falls, distractions diminish and we're left alone with our thoughts, which can make the loss feel overwhelming.
Dealing with grief involves allowing yourself to experience grief, seeking support from family members or a mental health professional, and taking care of your physical health. It's also important to remember that everyone grieves differently and there's no "right" way to grieve.
It can be difficult to know what to say to someone who is grieving, but sometimes simply being there for them and offering your support can be helpful. You might try saying something like, "I'm here for you if you need to talk" or "I'm sorry for your loss." You could also offer to help with practical tasks such as running errands or cooking meals.
The stages of grief, according to the Kübler-Ross model, include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. However, it's important to note that not everyone will experience all these stages, or in this order. Grief is a highly individual process.
It is not mandatory that all conversations revolve around the issue causing your grief but our therapists will provide guidance on how best to process the situation. You are in control of how much or little you want to share in a session, but it is important to stay open and honest with your therapist for optimal results.
There is no set timeline for overcoming a breakup. Everyone deals with grief in their own way and on their own time. While some may be able to move forward quickly, others may take longer. Remember that it's normal to experience a range of emotions as you heal and don't rush the process.