Guide from erstmalreden.de
I have experienced a severe loss
Grief can come after death, separation, farewell, or a major break. It can strongly affect body, sleep, daily life, and thoughts.
Strain, crisis & safety
In short
- What this page is about
- First orientation when a loss, separation, or grief makes everything feel hard.
- This may fit if
- you are looking into this topic: I have experienced a severe loss
- If you do just one thing
- Tell one safe person.
Grief does not have to look tidy
Some people cry a lot, others feel empty, angry, calm, or only keep functioning. Different reactions do not mean you grieve wrongly.
What can help today
For today, one small hold is enough: eat, drink, sleep, tell one person, make an appointment outside the home, or write down what should not stay alone.
When support makes sense
If you no longer sleep, cannot manage anything, withdraw strongly, panic, or do not feel safe, counseling, a doctor, or TelefonSeelsorge can be a first step.
In acute danger
If you are afraid you might harm yourself or cannot stay alone, urgent help matters. Call 112 in acute danger or contact a real person immediately.
Updated: July 4, 2026 · Sources checked: July 4, 2026
Sources and notes
What you can do now
If you only wanted information
This guide may fit as a next step: Help with loneliness
Open articleIf you want to try first contact
Use the sentence helper or copy one short sentence. First contact does not have to be perfect.
Prepare a sentenceIf it has become urgent
Then reading more is not the priority. Open urgent help or call 112 in Germany if there is immediate danger.
Open urgent help- Tell one safe person.
- Choose one small hold for today.
- Do not stay alone in danger.
This page offers orientation and words for first contact. If you need counseling, therapy, or emergency help, real contact points matter.