Defining Anticipatory Grief and How to Cope with It

Posted by: Erin Ward in Grief Articles | July 6, 2021
Grieving the loss of a loved one comes in many different forms, as there are many different types of grief. One type of grief that’s often forgotten about is anticipatory grief.

Keep reading to learn more about this grief type, how to find healthy ways to cope with it, and how to show your support.

Defining Anticipatory Grief


Anticipatory grief is a unique grief type, since it begins before the loss of a loved one has occurred. This may be the case if a loved one has a terminal illness or is in hospice care. However, a loved one doesn’t have to be ill for someone to experience this grief type. For instance, if someone has a high-risk job or hobby, their loved ones may experience this type of grief if they’re worried about their safety.

It's important to note that this isn’t just “normal” grief that’s experienced early. It also doesn’t mean that someone won’t experience “normal” grief once the loss has occurred. It is its own type of grief that needs to be recognized to be coped with in a healthy way.

Coping with Anticipatory Grief


When coped with in a healthy way, anticipatory grief can help people process their feelings and accept the reality of the loss over time before it has occurred.

Below are a few healthy ways to cope with it:
  • Talk to your loved one about how they want to be remembered. This way, when the time comes for their funeral, you can rest assured that their life is properly honored.
  • Reach out to a trusted loved one or professional grief counselor to help process your feelings. Or write your thoughts down in a journal.
  • Try meditation or another relaxing activity at the start or end of your day.
  • Practice self-care. While it’s okay to worry about your loved one, you also need to take care of yourself.



How to Support Someone Coping with Anticipatory Grief


If your loved one is experiencing anticipatory grief, let them know that you are someone they can talk to without any judgment. Whether they want to discuss their loved one, their feelings, or just want someone to sit with them, you can be there for them.
 
You can also help them find healthy outlets for their grief. For example, if they’re interested in yoga, offer to go with them to a class to try it out. This way, they feel less alone in their grief.

Being concerned about a loved one’s well-being often brings about stress. To help relieve your loved one of some stress, offer to check tasks off their to-do list. You can mow their lawn, pick up their groceries, or bring them a homemade meal.

What other ways can you cope with anticipatory grief? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

9 Comments

b

barek1337213

January 16

oanda opiniones
[URL=https://1winplayslots.com/]1winplayslots.com[/URL]
[www.1winplayslots.com](https://1winplayslots.com/)

A

Angel17

January 11

Anticipatory grief, the mourning experienced before a loss occurs, can be deeply challenging, but understanding it and seeking coping strategies can provide comfort and resilience during difficult times. Seamless Gutters Port Charlotte FL

m

mariamartin

December 15, 2024

It highlights the complexities of grief that often go unrecognized. It reminds me of the innocence test - how we sometimes judge our emotions based on societal norms. Grief, whether anticipatory or not, should be acknowledged and validated in all its forms. Thank you for shedding light on this important topic!

R

Ritchie

November 25, 2024

Every topic is a new change for the reader. Learning and approaching new knowledge is necessary and important. Constantly improve scratch games knowledge and develop a lot of your own creativity.

A

Angel Brown

November 9, 2024

It would be great to see more of this. Thank you for detailing everything! swimming pool cages Bradenton FL

j

jeffreestar

October 14, 2024

Connect with a trusted loved one or professional Tunnel Rush grief counselor to help process your feelings. Alternatively, write your thoughts down in a journal.

m

michaeljordan

October 2, 2024

You have to overcome pain yourself like overcoming slope run

W

William McDonald

September 3, 2024

This article sheds light on an often-overlooked type of grief. Helpful insights for those experiencing tomb of the mask.

D

Dave allen

June 16, 2024

My wife and I want to show profound gratitude and appreciation, ever since the pandemic things have always been very difficult for me and my family, I lost my job during the Covid19 stay at home pandemic and it was very difficult for me to secure a new job that was how life became terrible for me, But thank God for bringing this man into my life, Mr Bernie Doran. I read so many good reviews online on how he has been helping a lot of people both small business owners to gain financial income so I contacted him on WhatsApp and that was the day my life change began, I started with the lowest investment plan which was $1,500 and within a week I earned a profit of $18,500 on his trade management system, since then I have been making huge profits with the help of MR BERNIE DORAN, Now I can do basically anything I want for myself and my family, I just can't thank you enough sir, may God continue to reward you. I highly recommend to everyone that needs financial aid, contact him on:
WhatsApp : +1(424) 285-0682 or his
G-mail : BERNIEDORANSIGNALS@GMAIL.COM

Recommended For You

Coping With the Loss of an Infant
December 15, 2021
The loss of an infant is a traumatic event that changes the expected course of life for their parents. While it may be u...[Read More]
An Introduction to Grief, for the Uninitiated
October 19, 2021
Grief is an involuntary reaction in response to loss. Its power over the bereaved can be all-consuming and may take year...[Read More]
Healing a Broken Heart
July 6, 2021
It's about Putting Your Attention Where it Needs to BeGrief and heartbreak: the two are inseparable. American author Ann...[Read More]