Per Theresa Rando, “In anticipation of a future loss a form of normal grief can occur.” This is the grief that begins before the death of a loved one occurs, as death is imminent. Thus, with the awareness of the future loss a person begins the grieving process before loss occurs.
Most people have heard of Elizabeth Kubler Ross and her five stages of grief: Denial & Isolation (Shock), Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. Ross developed her five stages of grief as she studied the behaviors of dying patients. Her work was based on people experiencing anticipatory grief.
If you have experienced the loss of a friend or loved one due to a long, drawn-out illness, more than likely you’ve experienced anticipatory grief.
GEC (Grief Education Center) 