Traumatic loss

What do you say to someone who’s lost everything?

Accept that there is nothing you can say or do to make it better, short of bringing the deceased back to life. There are things that can be said that can actually make it worse and when in doubt, choose your words carefully, kindly and speak no platitudes of any kind. Instead focus on caring for the bereaved, help them in any way possible, know that they will be in deep shock and unable to think clearly. See to any logistics needed and look after the basics: food, water, rest.

Accept that they will mourn for far longer than anyone knows and then let them talk about the one or ones they’ve lost. Accept that they will cry and sob and rage and that is utterly normal. Walk with them as they are facing a long recovery into the new reality where nothing will ever be the same again.