06/12/2026
Invite Them to Your Gathering
People often unintentionally withdraw from those who grieve. Many do not have experience in providing support to family or friends who are dealing with loss, sometimes awkward in their presence, sometimes not knowing what to say when consoling. As a result, the bereaved can experience a secondary loss: daily interactions with people, especially when they have lost a partner.
Mourners tend to isolate. They often resist reaching out to others for fear of becoming a burden. Therefore, it is important to take the first step by inviting someone who has experienced a recent loss to gatherings, whether it be a family dinner, an upcoming event or a even a simple social outing.
Why is social support so important? Many grief experts believe it is a key element in recovery. Being with others helps decrease feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can inadvertently lead to mental health issues like depression and even substance abuse. Connecting with people improves mental health by providing something to look forward to and a reason to move away from isolation. Once out in the company of others, grievers are often reminded that amidst the pain, life still holds moments of happiness and joy.
So, whether it’s an upcoming wedding, a family dinner or even an outing to a park, remember to invite the bereaved, providing them with an opportunity to interact with others and find the social support they need during their period of grief recovery.
© Belvedere Funeral Home/CFHC Online
