Grief is one of the few things in life that is universally felt by everyone. Whenever we experience a significant loss, grief tends to follow. It comes in waves, feels like a roller coaster, follows no timeline, and encompasses a complex blend of emotions.
For some people, a different level of grief starts long before the loss actually occurs. In preparation for an impending or perceived loss, the brain goes through a phenomenon known as anticipatory grief. Here we’ll discuss what it is in detail. We’ll also look at its impacts and methods for coping.
What Is Anticipatory Grief?
Anticipatory grief is an intense emotional pain or period of mourning that happens before any loss occurs. While it can apply to various scenarios, it is more commonly seen with the loss of a loved one.
This type of grief may affect the friends, family, or caregivers of the person who is ill, but also the person facing the terminal situation themselves. In some ways, it’s your brain starting to cope with the idea of loss before it arrives.
Common Symptoms of Anticipatory Grief
Anticipatory grief is characterized by a combination of emotional, cognitive, physical, and behavioral symptoms. These symptoms appear before a significant loss, such as the death of a loved one, the end of an important relationship or partnership, a diagnosis, or a major life transition.
Emotionally speaking, you may experience waves of sadness, periods of anger, increasing anxiety, and loneliness. Cognitive symptoms can include fogginess and difficulty concentrating. This may be largely due to a preoccupation with what is going to happen in the future.
The grief can intertwine with physical symptoms, such as sleep disruptions or a change in appetite. These physical changes, along with the emotional wear and tear, can start to cause lower energy levels.
As you try to deal with the grief, you may begin withdrawing from other people or avoiding certain situations. You may be feeling like you’re waiting for the other shoe to drop. In some instances, your method of coping may be excessive planning. Planning for situations that may or may not occur once the impending loss happens.
The True Impact of Anticipatory Grief
Experiencing anticipatory grief can be quite the challenge, but it can also serve a purpose. Starting the grieving process early leads to a potentially longer period of struggle. You experience the emotional drain for longer. Your symptoms have more time to become more severe and impactful on daily life.
On the other hand, having anticipatory grief can allow you the opportunity to start processing the situation sooner. You know there is going to be a loss; that part is out of your control. With the earlier onset, you can register what’s happening and say goodbyes. You can resolve any unfinished business. It doesn’t necessarily make it easier, but you have more time to prepare yourself emotionally and physically.
How to Cope
Navigating anticipatory grief can be draining. Fortunately, there are several techniques that can help manage symptoms and build resilience.
Prioritizing mindfulness, spirituality, and self-care practices is a good start. Each of these offers methods for grounding, finding meaning, resting, and fueling your mind, body, and soul.
Prepare things within your control and set yourself up to reduce anxiety. Make lasting and meaningful memories while you have the chance. This will help you find closure when the time arrives.
Additional Support
One important piece of the puzzle is seeking some type of support. This could be joining a support group or exploring professional guidance. Grief therapy can offer a safe space to process emotions and develop personalized coping strategies for your specific situation. Help is one phone call away. Reach out to us to get started. Contact us today.