By continuing to offer support, after a bereavement, communities can help individuals to navigate the difficult process of grieving and eventually find a path towards healing and acceptance. Support should not end when the funeral service is over.
The period after the funeral can be one of the most difficult times for those who are grieving. While the initial shock and numbness may have worn off, the reality of the loss may be setting in, and the individual may be experiencing intense feelings of sadness, anger, or despair.
Support groups or grief counselling can be helpful resources for those who are struggling to cope with their loss. It is important to continue to offer support to those who are grieving, even after the funeral service has ended. This can be done in many ways, such as:
Checking in on the individual
Offering to help with daily tasks
Simply providing a listening ear