Understanding Extreme Grief: Depth and Impact

What is Extreme Grief? Understanding Its Depth and Impact

What Exactly Is Extreme Grief?

Well, extreme grief is something many of us will experience at some point in life, though we may not fully understand its complexity until we’re faced with it. It’s more than just sadness or sorrow after a loss. Extreme grief goes deeper, often consuming every part of you, leaving you feeling lost, empty, and disconnected from the world. It can feel as if the weight of the world is on your shoulders, and no matter what you do, the pain doesn’t seem to ease.

Actually, I’ve known people who’ve experienced this level of grief, and it’s hard to describe unless you’ve lived through it. When my best friend lost a parent, the intensity of her grief left me speechless. I didn’t know how to help, because what she was going through wasn’t just sadness—it was something that seemed to take over her whole existence.

The Emotional Impact of Extreme Grief

Extreme grief often begins with a profound sense of loss. It's not just about the person or thing you’ve lost—it’s about the ripple effect it has on your entire life. Your routine is broken, your identity may feel shaken, and everything you thought was stable suddenly seems fragile. Grief can leave you emotionally numb, yet overwhelmed by waves of sadness or anger. Honestly, it can feel like an emotional rollercoaster that you never signed up for.

How Does Extreme Grief Manifest?

1. Physical Symptoms

One thing that most people don't realize about extreme grief is that it can affect you physically. You might feel exhausted, even after a full night’s sleep. Some people experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, or an overall sense of heaviness. When my mother passed away a few years ago, I remember feeling like I couldn’t catch my breath. It wasn’t just the tears—it was like my body was physically reacting to the weight of the loss.

2. Mental and Emotional Struggles

The mental toll of extreme grief can be overwhelming. It can cause confusion, difficulty concentrating, and even forgetfulness. You might find yourself replaying moments over and over again, unable to stop your mind from dwelling on what’s been lost. The emotional swings can feel unpredictable: one moment, you might feel intense sadness, and the next, you might feel numb or even angry. It’s a mess, really. And honestly, it can be frustrating, especially when you can’t explain to others how it feels.

How Long Does Extreme Grief Last?

Well, this is the tricky part. There is no set timeline for grief, let alone extreme grief. Some people find that the intense pain of loss begins to soften after a few months, while for others, it may take years to start healing. I’ve seen friends go through years of grieving, especially when the loss was particularly significant, like the death of a parent or partner.

It’s also important to note that extreme grief can resurface, even after the initial shock has worn off. There are moments when the grief can hit out of nowhere, and you might feel like you’re back at square one. This doesn’t mean you're not healing—it’s just part of the process.

Coping with Extreme Grief: What Helps?

1. Seeking Support

Honestly, if you’re going through extreme grief, it’s essential to talk to someone. Whether it's a friend, family member, or therapist, having a support system can make all the difference. I’ve seen people who tried to handle everything alone, only to become more isolated and overwhelmed by their emotions. It’s okay to lean on others—it’s part of the healing process.

2. Taking Care of Yourself

Grief can make it hard to take care of yourself, but self-care is crucial. This doesn’t mean you need to run marathons or start a new hobby immediately. Sometimes, self-care is simply getting out of bed, eating something, or taking a walk. I remember being so devastated after my personal loss that I didn’t want to do anything. But over time, even the smallest acts of care helped me feel a little more grounded.

3. Allowing Yourself to Grieve

The thing about extreme grief is that it’s so different from just sadness. It’s deep, and it doesn’t look the same for everyone. You need to give yourself permission to grieve, however that looks for you. If that means crying every day for weeks, let it happen. If that means being quiet and withdrawn, that’s okay too. I’ve learned that there’s no "right" way to grieve—only the way that feels authentic to you.

When to Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, grief can become overwhelming to the point that it affects your ability to function in day-to-day life. If you’re finding it hard to get through each day, or if you’re feeling stuck in a cycle of grief that doesn’t seem to ease up, it might be time to reach out to a professional. Therapists, grief counselors, or support groups can help you work through the pain and start to find a way forward.

Conclusion: The Journey Through Extreme Grief

In the end, extreme grief is a deeply personal experience, and it can feel like an endless journey. But it’s important to remember that while the pain may never completely go away, with time, you can learn to live with it. And you don’t have to go through it alone—support, self-care, and patience are your allies in this process.

Honestly, if you’re going through extreme grief, just know that you’re not alone. It might feel like it, but there are people who understand, and there are ways to heal, even if it takes time. You just have to give yourself the grace to feel everything you need to feel, at your own pace.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.