Anticipatory Grief
When we learn a loved one is dying, we are anticipating the loss that is to come and begin grieving the loss even while he or she is still alive.
What you may experience:
- Sadness: You will experience an intense sadness knowing that someone you love is dying and some of your plans will go unfulfilled.
- Frustration: One day you will be in denial. The next day you may be hopeful your loved one will beat the illness. This ambivalence can be frustrating.
- Guilt: You may have said or done things that makeyou feel guilty.
- Anger: You may be angry with the doctors, with the one who is dying, or with God.
Tips to help
- Keep open communication between you and the one who is dying and close friends.
- Take steps now to reduce guilt. You still have time to say the things you have always wanted to say.
- Make sure legal matters have been looked after (Legal will, power of attorney, etc.)
- Take time to care for yourself! Exercise, find a quiet place to reflect, draw on the resources of your faith or meet with friends.