Anticipatory Grief (When Loss Begins Before Goodbye)

Grief doesn’t always begin at the moment of loss—it can start long before. In this episode, host Krystle Hall dives into anticipatory grief, the emotions we experience when we know a loss is coming. She shares personal stories of navigating the slow, painful reality of knowing goodbye is inevitable, from the decline of a beloved pet to losing her father and other family members.

Whether you’re facing a terminal diagnosis of a loved one, watching someone decline, or experiencing a major life transition, this episode will help you feel less alone. Krystle breaks down the emotional rollercoaster of anticipatory grief and offers insights on coping with the unknown.

📌 Timestamps:

[00:00] Welcome to Grief Unfiltered – Introduction and what this podcast is about
[00:49] What is anticipatory grief? – Understanding grief that begins before loss occurs
[01:26] Signs and emotions – How anticipatory grief can manifest, from sadness and anxiety to guilt and relief
[02:43] Personal stories – Krystle shares six personal experiences with anticipatory grief
[03:06] Bailey & Chloe – The heartbreaking journey of losing her dogs and seeing their bond in grief
[10:25] Losing her dad – A deeply personal story of watching her father fight a terminal illness
[21:48] The waiting game – How knowing loss is coming affects mental health and daily life
[27:09] Her grandparents’ stories – Anticipating loss due to age and illness
[30:06] Her mother-in-law’s journey – A different experience of anticipatory grief with a longer prognosis
[32:05] Common experiences – Mood swings, awkward conversations, and the impact of “at least” statements
[33:39] Emotional stages – Denial, anger, bargaining, sadness, and eventual acceptance
[36:07] Communicating with loved ones – The importance of open conversations, no matter how uncomfortable
[37:29] Key takeaways – Don’t do it alone, take it one day at a time, and find moments of joy
[38:47] Final thoughts – Grief doesn’t mean stopping life; it means learning how to keep living

🌿 Get Support:

🌱 Ready to grow through your grief? Get my Befriend Your Grief course for the support and tools needed to transform your pain into a meaningful journey. https://www.growthroughyourgrief.net/befriend-your-grief

🌧️ Want to see how your grief is affecting you? Download my free quiz and complete it at your own pace. https://www.growthroughyourgrief.net/how-grief-is-affecting-me

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