Is it normal to grieve before a loved one dies?

Yes. It is normal to begin grieving before a loved one dies. This is called anticipatory grief.

Grief is the process of letting go and learning to live with loss, and part of it is feeling extreme sadness. As a caregiver, you may begin to feel the loss of your loved one even before they die. You may feel sad about the changes you are going through, the unknowns in the future, and the losses ahead.

Everyone is different in how and what they grieve. Some people cry less than expected, some withdraw, some stay busy, and some show more anger. All of these are normal. Grief can come up when you least expect it and can last for many months, varying in intensity. If you feel the need, seek help from hospice staff, a mental health expert, or a support group.