Final answer:
To support a friend who lost their parents, show empathy, listen, help with daily tasks, and suggest professional support. It’s crucial to understand and discuss grief, while being mindful of the stages of grieving they may go through. Also, consider your emotional well-being throughout the process.
Step-by-step explanation:
To comfort a friend who has lost their parents, it is important to show empathy, offer practical support, and be present. Initially, give them space to process the shock while making sure they are not alone. Follow this by engaging in actively listening to them, offering a shoulder to lean on, and assisting with day-to-day tasks which may feel overwhelming to them during their mourning period.
Discussing grief can help your friend understand their emotions, as it is a complex process that varies significantly between individuals. Sharing concepts of grief might provide context to help them process what they've experienced. It can be useful to remind your friend about the normalcy of their response to loss and the various stages they may pass through, such as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
Moreover, suggesting professional support such as counseling or support groups can be beneficial in helping them navigate through their grief. It's also important for you, as their support system, to manage your own emotions and seek help if necessary, as assisting someone through such a tragic event can also be taxing on your own mental health.