Coping With Extreme Grief

“It’s such a secret place, the land of tears.”

— The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

By Jon Terrell, M.A.

Grief Rocks

You’re experiencing extreme grief — a deep loss, the end of a relationship, the death of someone close, a serious illness, or another crisis. You feel lost and unsure what to do.

Here are a few gentle suggestions to help you through. They won’t erase the pain, but they can help you move forward.

If you need immediate emotional support, visit our [Grief-Stricken First Aid Tools] page, then come back here.

Make Room for Your Grief

“Grief is the price we pay for love.” — Queen Elizabeth II

Grief is a natural, cleansing process that helps us heal from loss. Tears are part of that healing — they release what the heart cannot hold. If you’re unable to cry or your grief feels overwhelming, please seek help from a therapist or counselor.

Create a safe, loving space to welcome your grief. Find somewhere private and comforting where you can let go — a warm room, your bed, or even a quiet corner of the floor. Surround yourself with blankets, tissues, and anything that helps you feel protected.

Coping with extreme grief is heavy. Staying close to the ground can help you feel held and supported. This connection to the earth is grounding and deeply healing.

Sometimes small, enclosed spaces — like a bathroom floor or a cozy nook — feel safest. What matters most is allowing yourself to feel.

Give Grief Time

Grief unfolds slowly. Avoiding or suppressing it only delays healing. You may need breaks, but try not to escape your feelings entirely.

When grief is ignored, it often resurfaces as depression, anger, or anxiety. Remember — grief is not a thought to figure out but a feeling to experience.

If you feel stuck, a grief therapist or an intensive retreat can help you move through what feels unbearable.

As you stay with your feelings, transformation begins. Over time, grief softens. It can bring unexpected gifts — grounding, deeper compassion, and eventually, a renewed sense of joy and connection.

Get the Support You Need While Coping With Extreme Grief

If your thoughts become dark or self-destructive, please seek immediate help.📞 Suicide Hotline (U.S.): 1-800-784-2433

Talk with someone who feels safe — a trusted friend, counselor, or grief support group. Choose people who can listen without judgment and hold space for your emotions.

It often helps to connect with others who have faced deep loss and found their way through it. Talking, crying, sharing, and simply being understood are powerful steps toward healing.

If your grief feels too heavy to carry alone, consider joining our Grief and Loss Retreat. For over 25 years, these retreats have helped people find relief, healing, and renewed hope.

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Jon Terrell, M.A.Leads retreats focused on grief, loss, and emotional healing.For more information or to ask a question, please contact him using the form below.

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