Is it weird to dread future events with a loved one who is ill?

It's a very common and understandable reaction to feel apprehension or even dread about future events when a loved one is seriously ill. This isn't a sign of wishing them ill, but rather a natural response to the pain of potential loss and the changes ahead. These feelings often stem from a deep love and concern, and an awareness of how illness impacts cherished shared experiences.

Research indicates that approximately 60-70% of caregivers and close family members experience some form of anticipatory grief when a loved one has a terminal illness.

See other perspectives

<h1>Am I the only one who dreads future events with a loved one who is ill?</h1>

Am I the Only One?

Does everyone dread future events with a loved one who is ill?

Does Everyone?

Is it normal to dread future events with a loved one who is ill?

Is It Normal?

Why do I dread future events with a loved one who is ill?

Why Do I?

Real stories from the community

I saw this thing on my feed about a grandma spending her last weekend in her old farmhouse, like, touching the doorframes and floorboards before the new owners take over on Monday, and honestly, I… …

anticipatory grief

Albright yesterday. …

anticipatory grief

As I trace the gouges on the kitchen doorframe, the ones from Mark's toy truck that Christmas of '78, I wonder if anyone else, after decades of structured existence, feels this acute disarticulation… …

anticipatory grief

I see the water, you know, every single day, every day it just sort of… creeps a little closer to the rocks, and I think about the old lighthouse keeper, Finn, who swore he saw it coming even then,… …

anticipatory grief

And here this man was, watching his literal house disappear, probably his family's for generations, and there was this… profound melancholy radiating off him, even from across the sand and through my… …

anticipatory grief

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I feel sad about future events that haven't happened yet?▾
Feeling sad about future events that haven't occurred is often a part of anticipatory grief. It means you're already beginning to grapple with potential changes and losses, even before they become a reality. This sadness reflects your love and attachment.
How can I cope with anticipating loss when a loved one is sick?▾
Coping with anticipating loss can involve focusing on the present moments you share, expressing your feelings to trusted friends or family, and allowing yourself to feel the emotions as they arise without judgment. It's about finding ways to live with the uncertainty.
Is it wrong to wish for an end to a loved one's suffering?▾
It is not wrong to wish for an end to a loved one's suffering, especially when they are in significant pain or distress. This wish often comes from a place of deep compassion and a desire for peace for them, not a desire for them to be gone.

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