As layoff notices continue to pile up, chances are pretty good that even if you aren’t affected, you know someone who is.

Here’s some advice on how best to help and comfort those people as they go through this difficult time.

1) Take cues from the laid-off person about how to console them.

If you hear that someone has been laid off, wait a few days to give them some space and a chance to reach out. If they haven’t gotten in touch with you by then, contact them yourself.

“It’s certainly appropriate to say to somebody, ‘I heard the news, I’m so sorry you’ve been laid off,’” said Peter Post, director of the Emily Post Institute. “It shows genuine sympathy for them.”

2) ‘Don’ts: feeding into anger or nagging.

Listen to the person and be sympathetic, but try not to stoke their anger. Reminders about what a jerk their boss was, or how they put in all that overtime for nothing, probably aren’t what they need to be hearing.

“What you don’t want to do is feed into their anger,” said Barbara Barra, executive vice president at consulting firm Lee Hecht Harrison. “It’s not helping them long-term.”

She advised also not to pepper the person with questions like, “Do you have any job interviews?” and other “progress” updates that could make the person feel bad.

Another thing NOT to do: “I would never say you ‘understand how they feel,’ because even a person who’s been downsized before won’t understand what a particular person is going through,” Barra said.

3) Especially for coworkers – how to manage “survivorhood.”

Layoffs can be almost as stunning for the survivors as they are for those laid off. But most of the time, the people laid off will appreciate you being there, making sure they have your contact information, and just being sympathetic.

Also, remember to think about yourself.

“It’s normal to be anxious and to feel a certain amount of guilt,” said Dr. Nancy Molitor, a clinical psychologist in practice in Wilmette, Ill. “Also, most people that are left behind are having to work harder, and that leads to a tremendous amount of anger, irritability and stress. Take stocks of your feelings, recognize it’s normal, and don’t panic.”

4) Tap into your networks where appropriate.

Offer to help the laid-off person find another job, if you know of anything that would be a good fit. Talk to the person to see if they’re interested is the same sort of job or something new -- and ask around to see whether any positions are available that they might want to consider.

If you help someone find a new position, it’s good for both of you -- they’ll be employed, and you’ll have someone who’s very appreciative of your help.

5) Don’t forget about the person.

Especially in an economic downturn such as this, some people who are laid off could be unemployed for some time. Follow up with your friends, even weeks and months after the layoff.

“Offer to get together with them for lunch -- and pay for the lunch,” suggested Irene Koehler, a human resources consultant and blogger at Almostsavvy.com.

6) Watch out for signs of a more serious problem.

Most people will be able to snap back from a layoff, given a few weeks. But sometimes, it can trigger or exacerbate a more serious problem.

“This person is going to be going through a wave of emotions, especially in the first couple of weeks,” Molitor said.

If the former employer offers services such as an Employee Assistance Program, suggest that the person take advantage of those if he or she seems a little down.

“If you see really severe behavior, where they’re isolating, themselves, they can’t answer the phone, if they’re not functioning, then I would be concerned,” Molitor continued. “Most people would start by talking to a family doctor or internist. Some people have had contact with a therapist before, and they could contact them again.”