Jewish tradition has a very structured mourning period, and it’s structure could be useful to others. I believe it could help as a guide for others, especially since it’s not only structured for the mourners, but for their community.
The first thing we do is sit Shiva. Shiva is very intense mourning for those closest to the deceased (usually relatives but I would argue if you are close enough to the person it will hit just as hard). It lasts 7 days, where those closest to the deceased do not leave the house, and do not cook or clean. Instead the community brings over food and takes care of the normal day chores, as well as sit with the mourners to support them physically and emotionally. (For more religious folks there are prayers throughout the day at the house). We wear specific clothes for this week as well. It is deep deep mourning.
After that week begins the Sheloshim (30) for thirty days (in reality it is 23 days as the 7 days of Shiva count towards the 30 total days). The mourners return to society in terms of taking care of themselves and going to work and such, but avoids socializing/parties/concerts/seeking entertainment, to focus on the loss. For religious folk, there is a prayer said every day (mourners kaddish) during this time. This can still be done with other friends and family to give emotional support even just by being present.
For those mourning a parent (though I think this step is crucial for losing anyone close), the 11 months of mourning begins. You no longer are sequestering yourself from society, but you still spend time each day remembering the person. (in jewish tradition this means you keep saying the mourners kaddish every day for 11 months).
Why I think this is so so so important is the community aspect. Especially during Shiva. I remember a twitter thread that was posted here a while back about someone who lost their father and how they wouldnt have made it through if their friends hadn’t come to support them as they were so deep in sorrow they couldn’t take care of themselves (friends brought food, cleaned the house, etc). It almost exactly described Shiva, minus a religious aspect. And they described slowing being able to re-join society afterwards, like the 30 days.
Grief shouldn’t be done alone, and mourners should be given support from their community to give them time and help them properly grieve and re-integrate with society.
