• They are probably feeling the worst they've ever felt. Sad, lonely, frustrated, scared, guilty or panicked.

• Or they might just be in shock and feeling numb.

• You may never fully comprehend their feelings, but this section will help you to gain a small insight.

The death of your friend’s family member will have a massive effect on your friend and their family as a whole. It most likely will be the toughest thing they’ve ever experienced. They will be grieving for the loss of their family member.

Unless you have been in a similar situation you will never truly understand what they are experiencing. Everyone experiences grief in their own way, but it is helpful to have an idea of the feelings your friend might experience.

Things to know about grief

• Feelings your friend might experience

Your friend may feel a range of emotions. A lot of them will be new to them. They may be feeling sad, lonely, angry, frustrated, scared, numb or any number of other things.

• Safe ways to deal with grief

Grief can produce overwhelmingly strong feelings that can make your friend feel out of control. There are safe ways to release these emotions. Safe ways of dealing with grief includes exercise, punching a pillow, listening to music, watching movies or talking to someone.

• Unhealthy ways to deal with grief

Being aware of unhealthy coping strategies will help you to look out for the safety of your friend. Unhealthy ways of dealing with grief include drugs and alcohol, hurting others or yourself, having sex or suicidal thoughts.

• Complicated Grief

Grief is a normal and healthy response for your friend to have. Complicated grief however can involve many of the normal grief responses but for an extended and persistent length of time.

• Where to get help

Be aware of how and where your friend can access help if they are using unhealthy ways to deal with grief or if they seem to be experiencing complicated grief.