Busy Philipps Consoles Ex-Lover of Heath Ledger

Busy Philipps, a co-star with Michelle Williams on Dawson's Creek, is reportedly helping Michelle Williams through the grieving process over Heath Ledger's death. Michelle Williams and Heath Ledger ended their three year relationship last year and the two had a daughter together.

The 28-year old Oscar nominee was found dead in his apartment on Tuesday, January 22, 2008. It has been reported that sleeping pills were discovered near his body when he was found by his housekeeper and masseuse. The medical examiner is saying that the cause of death is inconclusive. But it has been reported that there were six different prescription drugs found in Heath Ledger's apartment for insomnia and anxiety.

Michelle Williams and her 2-year-old daughter, Matilda, flew back today from Sweden where she is shooting her next film, "Mammoth". She found out about Ledger's death late Tuesday night.

Even though Ledger and Williams were no longer a couple, they remained close for the sake of their daughter. With the help of Busy Philipps, Michelle Williams won't have to grieve alone. Death is something that we all have to face at some point in our lives. Mourning the loss of a loved one is especially difficult. Here are some suggestions on how to help someone get through the grieving process.

Share the sorrow with them. Be there for the grieving person even if it is only just to listen. Don't try to stop them from talking about their deceased loved one. We might think that it may be too soon or too painful, but it's important that they share memories and begin to deal with the loss. Encourage them to share memories they had with their lost loved one.

Be patient. It takes a long time to get over the loss of a loved one. It's important that you are patient and that you are there when they need to talk. Don't assume that after a certain time period has passed the grieving process should be over.

Don't give false comfort. It doesn't help someone who is grieving to hear that the death of their loved one was for the best or that it was meant to be. Even though we feel as though we are helping when we say those things, it just makes the grieving person feel misunderstood. Just say, "I'm so sorry" and let them talk. Grieving people typically just want someone who will listen to them, or offer a shoulder to cry on.

Pitch in and help. Especially in the beginning stages of grief, a person will not have a desire to do much of anything. Nothing is important to the grieving person and they may tend to neglect themselves, their house and bills. Offer to cook meals, pay bills, mow the lawn and go grocery shopping to help out.

Encourage therapy if necessary. The grieving process is a long one, but you can usually tell when someone's grief has stepped outside the psychologically healthy bounds (suicidal ideation, etc.). Encourage therapy and counseling if you notice that the person is not handling the loss and is not emotionally stable.
Sources:

MSNBC News Services
Coping With Loss