Losing someone takes a significant toll on an individual emotionally, and many people will have a hard time coping with that loss. If a friend is having a hard time dealing with a loss, there are three great ways to help them find themselves, achieve happiness, and reach closure.
Always Be Open and Available
Having someone to talk to and confide in is very therapeutic, especially during stressful or traumatic events. Try to be as available as possible for the individual for phone calls, texting, or even hanging out together. This role can be very demanding, but it is incredibly important and helpful for the friend. Try discussing funny, interesting, and positive topics when possible.
Showering with Gifts and Surprises
When someone goes through a loss, it's not uncommon to feel bummed out or lost. Try offering surprises and gifts such as cards, favorite candies, unique gift baskets, or even gift cards for a fun, spontaneous shopping trip. These thoughtful, fun gifts show the friend that she or he is on someone's mind, and is very important to someone else. Cute, funny notes and cards are virtually guaranteed to bring out a smile, so be sure to gift plenty of them!
Planning Fun Dates and Activities
One of the best ways to help a friend through the grieving process is to help him or her keep busy. By keeping the mind occupied, there is less time for negative feelings to manifest. Try attending local festivals, craft fairs, workshops, and even local fitness events or classes. If the individual is particularly fond of musical events, try purchasing some concert tickets as a surprise. By filling a particularly devastating time in one's life with some wonderful memories, the friend will always have some positive things to look back on as he or she continues to move on in life.
At first, it may seem virtually impossible to cheer up someone who has suffered a loss; however, the friend will genuinely appreciate each and every act of kindness as he or she begins to recover.