Anticipatory grief

What is anticipatory grief? 

Anticipatory grief is experiencing a sense of grief prior to a loss. Anticipatory grief can be protective, allowing someone to move through difficult emotions, and to emotionally prepare for the loss to come. In fact, some researchers use the term preparedness as a synonym for anticipatory grief, as it is a normal and often functional part of loss when we are aware a loss is on the horizon. Stressful life events, particularly those that are threatening or traumatic, can particularly impact and worsen anticipatory grief. Anticipatory grief can cause an increased experience of ambiguous loss because we mourn something while it is still present in our lives. In some cases, the anticipated loss does not actually happen, but that doesn't invalidate the grief that has already been experienced.

What can anticipatory grief feel like? 

• Psychologically and emotionally preparing for a loss

• Feeling anxious or worried 

• Thinking about the loss frequently 

• Feelings of sadness and grief as if the loss has occurred

• Making practical decisions to prepare for the loss

• Making decisions as if the loss has already happened

• Emotionally and physically disconnecting from the person/place we anticipate losing

What can you do to prevent or reduce anticipatory grief? 

Some anticipatory grief is a normal and functional part of life. However, chronic and unmanageable anticipatory grief is not helpful.

Grieve in small doses.

 Research indicates that adaptive, healthy coping involves switching back and forth between taking time to confront the loss to come and then taking the time to think about other things and to find opportunities for respite. This balancing back and forth between the two experiences (confronting and restoring) is critical to healthy coping. 

Build up your resources.

 When confronting a loss, there are two parts: 1) Recognizing the seriousness of the loss to come and, 2) Appraising if we have the resources to cope with the loss. When we feel the loss will overpower our resources, the experience of anticipatory grief can become more intense. It is important to think about what support you have in your life and where you might have some gaps and need some help. 

Increase your sense of control.

 Often loss can make us feel out of control of our lives and can lead to an increase in anticipatory grief. It is important to find small tangible ways to feel a sense of self-efficacy and control in your life. For example, setting a very reasonable small goal for yourself and accomplishing that goal every day could be one step towards feeling a greater sense of control over your life circumstances. 

Take care of yourself.

 People who exercise regularly, eat nutritious meals, get enough sleep, have ways to relax and have fun, and have positive relationships with others are generally able to better cope with difficult experiences.