Grief Support

Common Grief Responses

Grief is a natural, normal, and healthy response to loss. When a loved one dies, nothing feels quite the same anymore. You may wonder if what you’re thinking, or feeling is normal. No two people grieve in quite the same way, yet you may be surprised to discover many commonalities and to know you are not alone.

  • I feel numb
  • I become tearful or cry unexpectedly
  • I haven’t cried
  • I’m having difficulty sleeping, and I feel exhausted
  • It’s hard to believe my loved one died; sometimes it doesn’t feel quite real
  • I’m having trouble focusing or concentrating
  • I have feelings of relief
  • I feel angry
  • There are things I regret
  • I talk to my loved one
  • I wonder where my loved one is, and if they are all right
  • Sometimes I don’t feel like being around other people
  • I’m afraid to be alone
  • I keep thinking about my loved one who died, and the events leading up to their death
  • Sometimes I stop thinking about my loved one, and then I feel guilty

Did you know...

Grief is dynamic and changes over time. Your grief will be influenced by the relationship you had with your loved one who died, by your family, your community, and other sociocultural factors. Try not to compare your grief to anyone else’s, not even to those who are very close to you.

There is no “right” or “wrong” way to grieve. While seeking support from others, it is important to trust yourself and your own experience of loss. Choose your own healthy path to mourn your loss, rather than doing what others tell you to do, or not to do.

Snowline recognizes the unique, dynamic, and often complex nature of grief. We are here to help you better understand your grief and support you on your unique journey to adjust to the death of your loved one.

Click here to make an online donation in memory of your loved one.

Grief Support Groups

Snowline supports grieving adults, children, teens, and families. We offer programs for schools and community-based organizations, as well. We serve the Sacramento, South Placer, and El Dorado regions, regardless of affiliation with Snowline. There is no fee for services. Please call 530-621-7820 or  916-817-2338 for more information, or to register for a group.

Adults – General Loss 

A drop-in support group for adults who are grieving the death of a loved one. Call to pre-register, and then attend when it is convenient.

  • 1st & 3rd Monday, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
  • 2nd & 4th Monday, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Loss of a Spouse/Partner 

A support group for those who are grieving the death of a spouse/partner.

  • Group meets once a week for 8 consecutive weeks. Call to pre-register.

Loss of a Spouse/Partner for Parents (currently meeting online)

A support group for those who are grieving the death of a spouse/partner while parenting children/teens. A Snowline Community Based Non-Profit collaboration with Sutter Health-Sutter Care at Home Roseville. Call to pre-register.

  • 3rd Tuesday of each month, 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM

Loss of a Parent

A support group for adults who are grieving the death of a parent. Group meets once a week for 8 consecutive weeks.

  • Call to pre-register.

Grief Journeys

Small groups coming together to explore local pathways and trails with a grief specialist/outdoor enthusiast. A relaxed opportunity to get out into open spaces and express the challenges and successes following the death of a loved one. All ages are welcome.

  • Call for information on upcoming groups.

Children, Teens, and Families

Children’s Bereavement Program – Hearts Of Hope

Our Hearts Of Hope Program is designed specifically to help children and teens (ages five to eighteen) who are grieving the death of a loved one. Utilizing the internationally recognized Dougy Center model, the Hearts Of Hope program supports kids and teens before and after the death of a loved one. The Dougy Center model (www.dougy.org) is considered the ‘gold standard’ of practice in the field of grief and loss.

Kids and teens are placed in groups alongside similar-aged peers who have suffered a similar loss. Art, music, motion, and play are selectively utilized to promote healing when words aren’t enough. Pre-registration required.

Additional Resources