Different Types of Grief

Anticipatory grief is the process of experiencing the emotions and grieving associated with an impending loss before it actually happens. Also known as anticipatory loss or preparatory grief, this emotional response can persist for days, months, or even years before the actual event as individuals attempt to come to terms with the impending loss.?

When individuals face an impending loss, they may experience a range of emotional and psychological symptoms. Some might experience sadness, anxiety, and a profound feeling of grief although their loved one has not been lost yet. Also, it is common for people to enter a state of “pre-grieving” which involves imagining and mentally preparing for the impending loss. Feelings of helplessness are often associated with this type of grief as they witness the gradual decline of their loved ones' health.?

Causes of anticipatory grief can vary, however, the most common cause is when individuals are aware that their loved one’s condition is terminal or irreversible. For example, chronic illnesses such as cancer, Alzheimer's, or progressive neurodegenerative disorders can lead to an extended period of anticipatory grief. Alternatively, a pending separation or anticipating the loss of an important relationship or life situation such as divorce or retirement can also cause anticipatory grief.?

This type of grief can present significant challenges that may include experiencing a constant state of emotional distress and feeling overwhelmed by sadness, anxiety, and a sense of powerlessness. It is also common for individuals to struggle with mixed emotions and feel guilty for wanting the suffering to end while simultaneously grieving the impending loss. On top of the psychological symptoms caused by anticipatory grief, it can also lead to physical symptoms such as fatigue, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating on day-to-day tasks.?

In some cases, anticipatory grief can be an opportunity to mentally and emotionally prepare for the loss and allow individuals to cherish the time they have left with their loved one. This opportunity can provide a chance to have important conversations, express their love, and create lasting memories which in turn can facilitate a sense of closure and provide a foundation for the grieving process after the loss.?

Complicated grief is a type of grief that is also known as prolonged grief disorder or persistent complex bereavement disorder and is characterized by grief that persists and intensifies over an extended period of time. Complicated grief can make it challenging for individuals to adapt to living without their loved ones and may take longer to reach the acceptance stage of grief.?

The symptoms that individuals who are going through complicated grief vary from person to person, however, most can identify an overwhelming and prolonged sense of longing and yearning. In addition, it may be difficult to accept the reality of the loss and they might experience disbelief or even denial. It is not uncommon to have intense emotional pain, frequent intrusive thoughts or memories, and difficulty focusing on other aspects of life.

Complicated grief may occur due to the nature of the loss itself, sudden or unexpected deaths, deaths resulting from accidents or violence, or the loss of a child. In addition, individuals who had an extremely close or dependent relationship with the deceased, or those who experienced multiple losses within a short span, may be more susceptible to complicated grief. Moreover, personal factors such as pre-existing mental health conditions, a history of trauma, or a lack of a strong support system can further influence the development of complicated grief.?

This type of grief can significantly affect people’s lives and overall well-being. The prolonged and intense nature of this grief can interfere with their ability to function in daily life, causing difficulties in maintaining relationships, pursuing career goals, or engaging in activities they once enjoyed. Also, it can exacerbate or trigger other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety.

Lindsey Rae Ackerman, LMFT, CHHC

Clear Behavioral Health

Executive Director of Operations

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Lindsey Rae is a Certified Health and Life Coach and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. In addition to her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, she has also completed a specialized study in Addiction and Eating Disorders at The Los Angeles Institute and Society for Psychoanalytic Studies.

An ever-evolving student and teacher who’s compassionately driven journey to healing her own trauma led to a dynamic career in the pursuit of helping others. Combining years of interpersonal-organizational management and creative visual merchandising experience with personal therapeutic endeavors, spiritual studies, and professional training in a number of healing modalities, Lindsey Rae creates a unique environment for her client’s transformational healing.

She is committed to gently challenging individuals to drop beneath the surface level chaos of the self-help and wellness world to focus on the real (inner) work. Guiding them along the path and encouraging them to cultivate more depth and beauty in their life while reminding them of their collective responsibility and connection to one another.