In many cases, grief occurs when someone has already suffered a loss. But grief can also result from a loss that is impending but hasn’t yet occurred. When this happens, it’s referred to as “anticipatory” or “preparatory.”
Anticipatory grief commonly affects individuals who are expecting to lose someone or something important in the near future. For example, you may experience anticipatory grief if:
- You or a loved one were diagnosed with a terminal illness or a progressive condition (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease or multiple sclerosis).
- You’ve been told that you’ll need to have surgery to remove a body part (e.g., an amputation or a mastectomy).
- You’re experiencing marital problems that you expect will lead to a divorce.
- You’ve been told that your unborn child has a congenital disorder.
- Your adult child is about to move out of the family home.
The Benefits of Anticipatory Grief
Like the other types of grief, anticipatory grief can lead to sadness, irritability, anger, anxiety, fear, guilt, and other intense emotions. However, it’s important to remember that anticipatory grief can also serve a beneficial purpose—it can motivate you to address unresolved issues and process your thoughts and feelings before the event in question occurs. One key advantage is that it provides an opportunity for emotional preparation, allowing you to gradually come to terms with the impending loss. This period of adjustment can help lessen the shock when the actual event occurs, potentially making the transition smoother. Additionally, anticipatory grief gives you the chance to express feelings, mend relationships, and seek closure, which can lead to deeper connections and a sense of peace. By facing your emotions head-on, you may also develop resilience and coping strategies that will serve you well in the future.
Speak to a Therapist About Anticipatory Grief in Wilmington, NC
If you think you may be experiencing anticipatory grief, we invite you to schedule an appointment with one of the skilled therapists on our team. We’re highly experienced in treating the many forms of grief, and we’ll provide you with the tools and tips you need to move forward with your life. You can start your therapy journey with Evolution Wellness by following these simple steps:
- Contact our care coordinator team.
- Meet with one of our caring therapists.
- Start working through grief in a healthier way!
Other Services Offered by Evolution Wellness
Grief counseling isn’t the only service that Evolution Wellness offers support with. We are happy to offer multiple in-person and online mental health services. Other services offered include depression treatment, EMDR, anxiety treatment, disordered eating, CBT, substance abuse, trauma, therapy for couples, and Covid counseling. We are also happy to offer therapy for a variety of issues including LGBTQIA+ issues, women’s issues, men’s issues, therapy for vicarious trauma, and therapy for military families. Our trained clinicians know that family concerns can require unique care, so we are happy to also offer family therapy, divorce counseling, and sex therapy, in addition to therapy for young adults and teens.