What is anticipatory grief?

Anticipatory grief refers to the feelings of grief that arise when one is expecting the loss of a loved one, such as when a family member is diagnosed with a terminal illness. It is characterized by emotional responses that can include sadness, anxiety, and a sense of loss even before the actual death occurs. Individuals may go through a mourning process as they prepare for the impending loss, which can involve reminiscing about good memories with the person, as well as dealing with complex emotions about what the loss will mean for them and their future.

This concept differs from grief experienced after death, which is a natural reaction to the loss that occurs after the person has passed. Additionally, anticipatory grief is not merely a physical symptom of depression and is not limited to the aftermath of a traumatic event. Overall, the focus of anticipatory grief is on the process of preparing oneself emotionally for a significant loss before it happens.