Losing a loved one is one of the most painful experiences a person can go through, and while there’s no way to make the grief go away, there are meaningful ways you can offer support. Whether it’s a close friend, family member, or colleague who has experienced loss, your compassion and presence can make a difference during this difficult time. Here’s how you can support someone who has just lost a loved one.

Grief arrives like an unexpected storm, dark and unrelenting, and when you lose your only child, it feels as though the sun may never shine again. There is no roadmap for this kind of loss, no step-by-step guide that makes the pain more bearable. The world continues to spin, people move forward, and yet, you are left standing still, clutching memories that feel both precious and painful.