When a traumatic event, such as the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, or the end of a friendship or a relationship, is approaching, someone fearing this loss might experience a number of emotion. They might feel depression and sorrow over the approaching loss or trauma, as well as anxiety over the impact the loss or trauma will have on them and their lives. They might perceive things as surreal and feel like they are in a dream. They might experience anger and frustration, or a sense of numbness. All these emotions can be part of anticipatory grief.

After a loss comes a period of mourning, the means of expressing grief. There are four major tasks involved in this period: accepting the loss, allowing yourself to experience grief, adjusting to your new world, and investing in other relationships. Read more in our latest blog.