Keep reading for the best tips for supporting someone who has lost a child and experiencing grief in motherhood. SHOP this photo HERE!
Asking for help is hard, and most people don’t want to do it. Your heart may be breaking for a friend or family member who is experiencing loss, and of course, you want to know how you can help and support them. But how do you begin to offer help, and what can you do?
We recently had Ashley Stock on the podcast, where she shared her story of losing her daughter due to a brain tumor and how she and her family move on while navigating grief. One thing we discussed was how the people in her life best support her. Below are a few tips from Ashley on how to be the friend of someone navigating grief in motherhood and how you can support them.
3 Tips For Supporting & Encouraging Someone Walking Through Grief In Motherhood
Tip #1: Don’t Ask, Just Do
They are in a heavy fog of emotions and may feel uncomfortable asking for help. If you know someone is navigating grief and you see they need help with something, depending on what it is, just jump in and help. You could pick up a few extra groceries when you’re out shopping and drop some off at their house on your way by. It may even be appropriate for you to leave a bag of groceries on their front steps and text them, so they don’t have to have a conversation with you if they are not up to it.
Tip #2: Save Space
Don’t judge how somebody is navigating their current emotional health – just give them grace. For Ashley, it’s social functions at school, including dropping off her two boys every day because her daughter was a large part of that before she passed away. You don’t know what little, silly, everyday life things are triggering someone who’s going through depression, PTSD, or anxiety. Don’t stare or make the situation uncomfortable for them and give them space.
Tip #3: Don’t Judge
As someone is dealing with loss, it’s debilitating, isolating, and lonely for them also feel judged for their emotional state, which can send them into a spiral. Sometimes Ashley will have scheduled lunch with a friend and have to cancel moments before. She can feel judged or hurt for backing out last minute but knows her friends will give her grace and let her show up or not show up exactly how she needs to.
When someone is navigating grief, the best you can do for them is allow them to take care of themselves so they don’t have to feel guilty for not getting through their days like they used to.
If you want to learn more about navigating loss and grief, visit www.mylifewellloved.com/hhb032!
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