Coping with anticipatory grief

Grief is often thought of as an emotional response to losing someone we love, but it shows up in more ways than one. For instance, families caring for a loved one with dementia often experience something called anticipatory grief as they face the loss of the person they used to know. This comes with an overwhelming sense of impending loss and sorrow.

Here are some tips on how to cope with anticipatory grief.

Acknowledge your feelings

Everyone experiences grief and loss differently, so acknowledge your own emotions. Allow raw, unfiltered feelings to surface. There’s no reason to be ashamed or dismissive of them — they’re real.

Take "me time"

Be intentional about caring for yourself. This might mean taking time to exercise, read, garden, or even take a relaxing bath. It can also be as simple as getting a good night’s sleep.

Practice gratitude

Start your morning by writing down three things you’re thankful for and refer back to your list throughout the day when things get tough. It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of your day, so try to remember the good too.

Talk to someone

It can be tempting to shut everyone out when feeling overwhelmed, but human connection is especially important during these times. Connect with friends and family often — it’ll help to get things off your chest.

Ask for help

From professional counselors to financial assistance programs — there are tons of solutions available both in-person and virtually. A Wellthy Care Coordinator can help find the right resources for you and set things up. We’ll be by your side every step of the way.