How to help someone who is grieving

Grief is something that we all have to endure at some point in our lives. Helping a loved one carry on during trying times can be complicated and confusing. Marie Mauter, a licensed clinical social worker and an employee assistance program counselor at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, Ill. offers these tips:

Don't take it personally if a grieving friend is moody or irritable.

Grief can be complicated and messy. It is important to allow time and space for whatever one is feeling. A grieving person's emotions can jump from sadness to feelings of relief to anger at any given time.

Don't judge how someone is grieving. It is important to remember that different people will grieve in different ways and for varying lengths of time.

Don't worry about saying the "perfect" thing to someone who is grieving. Instead, speak from the heart. Sometimes just being there for your friend without talking or helping out with practical tasks is all that is needed.

Express your concern as their friend if someone seems to have difficulty with daily functioning and appears to need help. Ask if you can help them reach out to a doctor or mental health professional.