Dear Dr Neimeyer, I am in a state of parental distress, anticipatory grief, and I’m not sure what to do. I’m 68 and my eldest son (whom I’ll call “Tom”—not his real name) is now 38. The bottom line is this: Tom has a drug habit that is killing him, and I am experiencing anticipatory […]
Anticipatory Grief and a troubled son Read More »
I lost my young wife after twenty years of marriage. Since then I feel like I’ve moved on; I found a new wife whom I love completely. We’ve raised terrific children. My problem is that I have an irrational fear of loss. At least once a day I obsess about losing my new wife, our
Fearing the loss of loved ones: Dear Dr. Neimeyer, Read More »
Dear Dr. Neimeyer, Your recent reply to the woman widowed over 25 years ago resonated with me, even though my husband is still alive. I am a member of the Well Spouse Association, a national nonprofit organization which provides peer support to those caring for chronically ill or disabled spouses. “Chronic sorrow”…”bleaching out of emotions”…”surviving but not thriving”… “sense of not fitting
Anticipatory Grieving: mourning the living Read More »
Dear Dr. Neimeyer, If you have been experiencing anticipatory grief for a loved one, once they die do you still experience normal grief? Or is it all combined within the anticipatory? I have a daughter who is a medical guinea pig, and as far as we can tell she is the oldest surviving person in
Anticipatory Grief: my daughter’s fate Read More »
Editor’s Note: This week we are printing a response to a recent Q&A on Anticipatory grief. The author, Mary Jane Hurley Brant, M.S., CGP has written for AfterTalk several times in the past, and we value her thoughts. Below is “Judy’s” question and Dr. Neimeyer’s answer followed by Ms. Mary Jane Hurley Brant’s response. Dear
Anticipatory Grief — An Ask Dr. Neimeyer Guest Column Read More »
