DISCLAIMER: I am not a psychologist or psychiatrist or related professional in any way. Please exercise all caution and consult a true professional when confronted with a situation where you are uncertain as to how to proceed in attempting to help a person at a time of personal crisis or loss.
CRISIS DEFINED: This advice is directed towards how we can best interact with people who have suffered trauma or loss. It could loss of a loved one, friend, family member, co-worker or pet. It could be a damaged or destroyed relationship, such as divorce or estrangement. It could be a traumatic or catastrophic injury or illness.
Introduction: I first drafted this article after a relative suffered a severe personal loss. Many family and friends wanted to help my relative and let them know that they were there for them. The situation motivated me to do some research on how to help people who are in emotional duress, grief and/or depression. These techniques can also apply to situations where there is severe or unexpected illness or accidents.
Based on the article, I summarized the key points below, and then I added input from my own extensive experience in this area. Later, I added comments made by others who had suffered loss and had some helpful insights on the subject. Here we go!
People are not comforted by mere concern, but by what exactly you say and do. Often, well-meaning friends and family inadvertently say and/or do the wrong things, causing the person who is suffering to feel misunderstood, unheard and even judged. Congratulations - you have just made your loved one feel even worse. Plan what you are going to say and do in advance.
