Anticipatory Grief and the Caregiver

As a caregiver, experiencing a rollercoaster of feelings while caring for our loved one is to be expected. Feelings can range from happy to sad, elated, hopeful, frustrated, and even angry at times. All of these feelings are normal, as you navigate the challenges of caregiving.

But have you ever felt sad, almost as if your loved one has passed away and you are grieving? As a caregiver, you may be experiencing anticipatory grief.

In this blog, we’ll talk about anticipatory grief, how to identify it, and what to do about it to help you cope with these feelings.

What is Anticipatory Grief?

Unlike mourning that occurs after a person dies, grieving before a loved one passes away, in anticipation of pending death, is called anticipatory grief. Anticipatory grief may occur days, months, or years before the death of a loved one.

These feelings are a natural reaction to the feelings of loss of what could have been and what is no longer possible in the future.
These feelings are often experienced when your loved one has a progressive, degenerative, like dementia of Alzhemer’s, or terminal illness.
Any anticipated loss and change can spark feelings of anticipatory grief.
These feelings of impending loss may occur as part of predeath grief.

What Are The Symptoms of Anticipatory Grief And What Might I Feel?

According to Forbes Health and the Cleveland Clinic, the range of feelings and symptoms from anticipatory grief may include:

Feelings Associated with Anticipatory Grief: guilt; denial; anxiety; lack of motivation; sadness; tearfulness; loss of emotional control; anger; resentment, and loneliness
Symptoms of Anticipatory Grief: sleep difficulty; withdrawal from others; loss of appetite; difficulty concentrating

What Are The Stages Of Anticipatory Grief?

The University of Rochester Medical Center reports a person may experience anticipatory grief in phases, which may occur at varied times, together or separately. You may experience some or all of these phases in no specific order.

Death Acceptance
Rehearsing the death of a loved one
Reflection: feeling regret regarding past interactions with the dying person
Envisioning what life will be in the future

How To Deal With Anticipatory Grief

Feelings associated with impending loss may often feel negative and overwhelming.

Tips for how to cope with anticipatory grief include:

Talk and be honest about your feelings
Allow yourself to feel these emotions; don’t suppress or ignore
Reach out to friends and family members for help
Know and understand as much as possible regarding your loved one’s disease, which will help you prepare for what is to come
Create memories with your loved one
At any time during this process, seek additional professional help
Practice self-care as a caregiver and while experiencing these feelings

Stay Healthy, Stay Visory!

At Visory Health, we understand experiencing anticipatory grief is a normal response to the expectation of loss and impending death of a loved one. Understanding and identifying your feelings is essential to your overall health and well-being as a caregiver. Continue to take care of yourself, see your provider as needed, and take your medications as prescribed.

Visory is here to make that simpler for you. Our Visory Health Discount Prescription Card gives you access to affordable prescription medications. Download the app to save on prescriptions and continue to maintain your health for yourself and your loved one.