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
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
- Hospice Foundation of America – Grief Resources: https://hospicefoundation.org/Grief-(1)
- Journeys Newsletter – Support for coping with loss emailed to your inbox each month: https://hospicefoundation.org/HFA-Products/Journeys
- Widowed Persons Association of California, Sacramento: https://sacwidowed.org/
- The Dougy Center for Grieving Children and Families: https://www.dougy.org/
- Compassionate Friends – Support for families (including parents, grandparents, and siblings) after the death of a child of any age: https://tcfsacvalley.wixsite.com/tcfsv
- Sharing Parents Pregnancy and Infant Loss: http://sharingparents.org/
- Bereaved Parents of the USA: https://www.bereavedparentsusa.org/
- Yolo Cares – Bereavement support group for members of the LGBTQ+ community: https://yolocares.org/our-services/center-for-loss-hope/
- Friends for Survival – Help after a suicide death: https://friendsforsurvival.org/
- Twinless Twins – Support for twins and other multiples who have lost their twin due to death at any age: https://twinlesstwins.org/