Anticipatory Grief

For those on hospice and anticipating the death of a loved one, many family members and friends experience anticipatory grief. This type of grief is feeling the loss before the actual loss occurs. This loss can be associated with the approaching death itself but also, loss of what could have been, loss of what will be and the dying loved one will miss, the loss of experiences family and friends will miss when this loved one dies. All of these are examples of anticipatory grief. Anticipatory grief can begin as early as the diagnosis and last until the death of the individual. Such diagnoses include Dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, ALS and cancer just to name a few. Signs and symptoms of anticipatory grief include, but not limited to, sadness, anger, forgetfulness, isolation and depression. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and you need support please reach out. I am here to help guide you through this difficult time and help minimize the suffering caused by anticipatory grief and approaching loss.