How to Support Someone Who Is Grieving (Especially During the Holidays)

Send us Fan MailWhen someone you care about is grieving, it can feel difficult to know what to say, what to do, or how to show up. You don’t want to say the wrong thing… but saying nothing doesn’t feel right either. And during the holiday season - or around anniversaries, special dates, or milestones - those fears and uncertainties can grow tenfold.In this heartfelt and practical bonus episode, Johanna shares gentle guidance for becoming a compassionate companion on someone else’s grief journey. Drawing from lived experience, trauma-informed insight, and years of supporting families through Threads of Life, she breaks down:🌿 Why grief feels heavier during holidays and milestones 🌿 The fears supporters have - and why they’re normal 🌿 What grieving people often wish others understood 🌿 Specific phrases, questions, and actions that genuinely help 🌿 Why “Let me know if you need anything” doesn’t work 🌿 How to honour someone’s loved one by using their name 🌿 How to offer support without trying to fix the pain 🌿 How to recognize when a grieving person may need more support 🌿 The role of an “anchor person” during emotional events 🌿 How to care for yourself while caring for someone grievingThis episode offers a grounded roadmap for walking beside someone through loss - with compassion, intention, and presence.✨ Free grief & support resources: Download Johanna’s toolboxes at transformativejourneys.ca✨ Threads of Life: A Canadian nonprofit offering peer support, education, and community to families affected by workplace tragedy. Learn more at threadsoflife.ca💛 Support the podcast: If Johanna’s work has helped you, you can support the show at buymeacoffee.com/transformativejourneys🛑 Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Johanna is not a therapist — just a human sharing lived experience. Please seek professional mental health or medical support when needed.