What is the term used for grieving that occurs before a loss takes place?

The term for grieving that occurs before a loss takes place is anticipatory grief. This type of grief is experienced by individuals who expect that they will soon face a significant loss, such as a loved one dying from a terminal illness. Anticipatory grief allows individuals to begin processing their feelings of sadness, anxiety, and loss ahead of the actual event, often giving them a chance to say goodbyes, resolve issues, or share experiences with the individual who is terminally ill. This proactive emotional response can be a healthy part of the grieving process, helping individuals to cope better when the actual loss occurs.

In contrast, complicated grief refers to an intense, prolonged form of grief that interferes significantly with a person's ability to function, while chronic grief signifies a persistent, long-lasting grief response that does not subside over time. Normal grief describes the typical emotional response to loss, which includes a range of feelings such as sadness, anger, and confusion, but does not occur in anticipation of the loss.