What is Anticipatory Grief?

Photo by Thomas Bormans on Unsplash

Hi Community,

I am so glad you are here with us. Last year, I experienced the loss of my Grandfather who was very dear to me. It was a huge adjustment including before he actually passed away and I knew I was experiencing anticipatory grief. Some of the feelings I felt were tearfulness, anxiety and intense sadness but in a way, I think it actually helped me to come to terms with the loss.

Anticipatory grief refers to the grief that occurs when you are expecting or anticipating the death of someone close to you. Rather than grieving after a loved one has passed away, anticipatory grief involves grieving for someone during the progression of a terminal or life-threatening illness.When a loved one receives a diagnosis of a disease like cancer that reduces life expectancy, it triggers the grief process. There is grief over the impending loss, even as the person is still alive. Anticipatory grief can include the same symptoms of normal grief after a death, such as sadness, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and loss of appetite. However, anticipatory grief also includes additional emotions like uncertainty, anxiety, and guilt.Anticipatory grief allows you to grieve while the loved one is still living, which in some ways can make the grieving process after their death easier. However, anticipatory grief is emotionally exhausting as you are constantly worrying and grieving for an extended period of time. The process can begin right after diagnosis and continue up until the final days or hours.

It is a very difficult process to go through but can also help us find more meaningful days for our loved one. Have you experienced this type of grief and what did you do to help you cope?