What is anticipatory grief?

What is anticipatory grief?

From Do you really know? by Bababam

April 27, 2026 · 5 min

About this episode

This episode explores the concept of anticipatory grief and its impact on individuals experiencing ambiguous loss.

At some point in life, most people experience grief, whether after losing a loved one or at the end of an important relationship. We tend to associate mourning with death. But sometimes grief begins before a person has died. This experience is often referred to as anticipatory or ambiguous loss, a form of grief felt when someone is still physically present but psychologically or cognitively changed. But what exactly does that mean? So what impact can ambiguous loss have on the people going through it? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠What is the Fermi paradox?⁠ ⁠What’s the Tinder Paradox ?⁠ ⁠Could vanlife be a lifestyle choice for you?⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Amber Minogue

Topics covered

  • grief
  • anticipatory loss
  • mental health
  • psychology
  • relationships

Keywords

  • grief
  • anticipatory grief
  • loss
  • mental health
  • psychological change
  • mourning
  • relationships

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Bababam

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