How do you help someone who lost their spouse?

This is very difficult. Artistic expression seems to help a lot. She must understand that this is her venting and she should not criticize anything she does. She should reflect a great deal on what the works are telling her. Basically she will be conversing with herself, you still need to be there. Usually at first nothing of value will come forth but very soon her soul comes to the surface and pours out in oceans. Any art is perfect. Any scientific endevoring, learning to read music or taking art classes for example, will greatly hinder everything. If she finds something she does enjoy then after she can speak clearly to herself learning will enhance her efforts. Good luck.

at times of grief, i think there's nothing much you can do, except be there for her. what you've done so far is good enough. maybe she might need a shoulder to cry on, you can do that for her. sometimes, saying nothing at all means a lot.. all my best wishes to her! you have been a great friend!

First of all, I'm so sorry to hear that. Second, it's so hard to know exactly what to do. People grieve in different ways. Some want to be constantly surrounded by people, some want to be with only their family or friends, and some want to be left alone. Since she is your best friend, you probably know her better than anyone. It sounds like what you're doing is exactly what she needs and that is so great. You're being a terrific best friend. If it hasn't even been a year, this will be the hardest time for her and it sounds like she likes to be around you. Like most people have already said, just keep doing what you're doing. It may not seem like it to her now, but it will get better and she will move on. And she's going to move on alot faster with you there;)

Just you being there for her is the real help she needs. I lost my wife and I needed someone to talk to a lot more often then there were people available to talk to me. I drank to much because of this and that didnt help either.

That's what I would do too. I think it's best just to be there for them when they need you and just lend them your ears. As long as they know you're there for them, that's all they need to get over their loss and not feel alone in the world. Good job for being there for her. I'm proud of you.

Just by being there you are helping her, letting her express herself and grieve also helps, You are a good friend and you have a good heart.

Your doing it. I just lost my husband a few months ago to a heart attack. This pas year has been the worst year of my life. Having someone to talk to helps so much. Just keep on doing what you have been doing, being her friend.

that is very kind of you to be doing this to your bestfriend. i suggest for your friend to go on vacation with the kids, if possible. They say time heals all wounds, but it never really does, we just have to live with it, and move on.

I thonk you are doinf above and beyond! You are truly a great friend :)

being there is the most important. And going to church together is great support. You are truly a blessing to her I am sure. It takes time to heal and the holidays are always hard, especially the first year.

I have been through that situation myself, I lost my first husband when I was 28 and he was 30. It was a real shocker when it happened. I know that I would just be there for the person and let them know it is not just a saying, "That time heals all wounds". Time really does help to get through it, although I will never be totally over losing him it does help me to get through the rest of my life. I would also tell them to keep a journal handy, write in it when you have no one else that can be at your side. It really helps to just get things off your chest whether it be talking to someone or just writing it all down. Tell her my prayers are with her and I know in time she will be able to deal with this and move on with her life.

It is very difficult to help someone who has experienced such a great loss, whatever we do will never fully compensate. The fact that you are spending the time to talk and occupy the day is really the best thing that you can do, and very much to your credit.

You are very kind to help your best friend through her loss. The best suggestions I have are to perhaps join a Grief Support Group with her as your best friend's loss of her husband is a loss for you too. There's several phases to grief, sometimes we move forward and backward among denial, bargaining, anger, acceptance...its good to cry. Perhaps there's a special way you can help her plan a memorial for her husband.

sounds like you are being a wonderful friend Kg just listen to her and let her vent let her scream..let her cry...just keep catching her when shes about to fall..but also kinda not be so clingy that she dont try to mend herself you know? just keep being you :)

I think you are doing the best thing for her to letting her talk and you listening

just continue with what you are doing they are so fortunate to have a friend who is there for them in time they will improve and if not seek professional help

Seems you are doing everything you can. Be her rock in this storm.

seems you already know the answer...

seems you already know the answer...

Get him a new one! ;)