Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was written by Ken Breniman, LCSW, C-IAYT and by How.com.vn staff writer, Sophia Latorre. Ken Breniman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Yoga Therapist and Thanatologist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Ken has over 15 years experience of providing clinical support and community workshops utilizing a dynamic combination of traditional psychotherapy and yoga therapy. He specializes in eclectic non-denominational yoga guidance, grief therapy, complex trauma recovery and mindful mortal skills development. He has a MSW from Washington University in St. Louis and an MA Certification in Thanatology from Marian University of Fond du Lac. He became certified with the International Association of Yoga Therapists after completing his 500 training hours at Yoga Tree in San Francisco and Ananda Seva Mission in Santa Rosa, CA.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
This article has been viewed 71,103 times.
Do you want to comfort someone close to you on the anniversary of their loved one’s passing, but aren’t sure what to say? In truth, there is no one right thing to say. The best thing to do is simply speak from the heart and let them know that you’re there for them. Whether you’re visiting them in person or sending a text, email, letter, or card, we’ve compiled tons of thoughtful messages to show that you care.
This article is based on an interview with our licensed clinical social worker and certified yoga therapist, Ken Breniman. Check out the full interview here.
Things You Should Know
- Acknowledge the person's passing and don’t be afraid to say their name. Let your friend or family member know that you’re thinking of them on this day.
- Show your support. Let your loved one know you’re available to them and offer to bring them a meal or take care of a daily task to give them a break.
- Ask how you can honor their loved one’s memory. Also, give them the opportunity to talk about the person who’s passed.
- Avoid passing judgment on how or how long a person grieves. Steer clear of platitudes like “He’s in a better place,” as well.
Steps
Expert Q&A
- QuestionHow can I be supportive on a death anniversary?
Kateri Berasi, PsyDDr. Kateri Berasi is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the Founder of Transcendent Self, PLLC, a group therapy practice offering affirmative, collaborative, and intentional care, based in Brooklyn, New York. With over ten years of experience in the mental health field, Dr. Berasi specializes in working with adults from the LGBTQIA+ community and creative industries through individual therapy, couples counseling, group therapy, and costume therapy. She holds a BA in Psychology, Art History, and French Language and Literature from George Washington University and an MA and MEd in Mental Health Counseling from Columbia University. Dr. Berasi also holds a PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University.
Licensed Clinical PsychologistIt might be helpful to engage in a ritual such as visiting the deceased person's grave or by going to places that the deceased person used to love. It's ultimately up to the grieving individual and what kind of support they'd prefer, though.
Tips
- Send a care package to your friend or family member filled with their favorite treats or self-care items.Thanks
- If the person is struggling with the loss, encourage them to seek out a support group or grief therapist.Thanks
Warnings
- Steer clear of any personal or intrusive questions about the person who passed or their estate.Thanks
- Even if you have good intentions, avoid telling the person you know how they feel or comparing their experience to yours or someone else’s.Thanks
- Try not to say things like “It’s God’s will,” “She’s in a better place,” “Everything happens for a reason,” or “It’s for the best.”Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/helping-someone-who-is-grieving.htm
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/ways-to-support-someone-who-is-grieving
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma/anniversary-traumatic-event
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/helping-someone-who-is-grieving.htm
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma/anniversary-traumatic-event
About This Article
Did this article help you?
⚠️ Disclaimer:
Content from Wiki How English language website. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License; additional terms may apply.
Wiki How does not encourage the violation of any laws, and cannot be responsible for any violations of such laws, should you link to this domain, or use, reproduce, or republish the information contained herein.
- - A few of these subjects are frequently censored by educational, governmental, corporate, parental and other filtering schemes.
- - Some articles may contain names, images, artworks or descriptions of events that some cultures restrict access to
- - Please note: Wiki How does not give you opinion about the law, or advice about medical. If you need specific advice (for example, medical, legal, financial or risk management), please seek a professional who is licensed or knowledgeable in that area.
- - Readers should not judge the importance of topics based on their coverage on Wiki How, nor think a topic is important just because it is the subject of a Wiki article.
