LibraryScenariosWhen estrangement feels like anticipatory death
Scenario

When estrangement feels like anticipatory death

My adult son cut contact with our family two years ago and my husband keeps saying he is dead to him but I cannot stop hoping he will come home before one of us actually dies.

Mira
Online
The coach is replying

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

Sometimes we grieve the living more acutely than the dead, mourning relationships that end before life does.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Anticipatory grief — losing someone before they die?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.