When dealing with a terminally ill relative or friend, one awaits the fearful end. This type of dread is referred to as Anticipatory Grief. It sometimes can rob one of the present moment and prevent one from experiencing what is left. It is natural to cry and grieve over a prognosis that robs one of the future with a loved one but it is also important to help the loved one through the process and experience the grief together. Living in the present is so important to make good of what time is left. When this type of grief pushes one away from the present, or makes the terminally already dead, or keeps you from visiting the person, then it can become something very bad. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Program
The article, “Anticipatory Grief: How I’m Learning to Stop Grieving People Before They Die” by Neeha Maqsood looks closer at how one experiences grief as they await a loss. She states,
“I will always struggle with anticipatory grief until the real moment comes, but I know not to ruminate over experiences I cannot control. What I can control are my thoughts, and instead of feeling guilty over it, I tell my mind that it’s okay to feel frightened and isolated over these thoughts. But I will also try to tell it to live in the present as much as it can – to laugh, eat, argue, and care for my father, as much as he cared for me when I was young.”
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Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Grief Counseling.