Grief, whether it’s from a loss that has already happened or one you know is coming…can be overwhelming. It can show up as sadness, anxiety, exhaustion, or even numbness. You might find yourself feeling disconnected from others, struggling with daily routines, or swinging between moments of hope and waves of sorrow. Anticipatory grief in particular can bring a unique mix of emotions: you’re preparing for a loss while still caring for and loving the person you may soon lose.
You don’t have to navigate those feelings alone. A few things I typically recommend are to:
- Reach out to your local hospice’s bereavement team, many offer free one-on-one sessions and group meetings, even if your loved one wasn’t in their care.
- Try joining a support group like GriefShare or check if your library or community center hosts regular in-person gatherings.
- If faith is important to you, connect with a clergy member or pastoral counselor; if not, consider a therapist who specializes in loss.
- Sign up for daily grief text messages from HelpTexts or download the Headspace app for calming meditations and guided breathing.
- Keep a journal using prompts from a Grief Workbook or explore books like It’s OK That You’re Not OK by Megan Devine for comfort and validation.
I recently shared some of these tips with a client whose father had just entered hospice. She was experiencing the swirl of sadness, anxiety, and uncertainty that comes with anticipatory grief. She told me these strategies not only gave her concrete self-care ideas, but also helped her feel understood and validated.
I hope this has been helpful.
I hope you find joy in loving one another well!
