What Is Anticipatory Grief?

If you’re planning a cremation service for a loved one or pre-planning a funeral, you may experience anticipatory grief. Anticipatory grief is a form of grief that can occur when a loved one is elderly, ill, or injured, and you know that he or she will soon pass away. As you begin planning ahead, you may want to seek grief support services from a grief counselor through your funeral home or crematorium.

Anticipatory grief often encompasses the same five stages of grief that are present after a death: Denial, bargaining, depression, anger, and acceptance. Most grief counselors do not consider anticipatory grief to be earlier symptoms of typical grief, however. Anticipatory grief can make you feel isolated, anxious, and angry, particularly when paired with the stress of pre-planning a funeral ceremony or planning a cremation ceremony.

If you anticipate the death of a loved one and are in need of a funeral home near Oakland that offers grief support services, come see us at Chapel of the Chimes Oakland. Our compassionate funeral home staff can help you pre-plan a funeral or cremation ceremony, and offer access to grief counselors in your time of need. To learn more about our funeral services, call us today at (510) 654-0123.