Grief doesn’t always begin at the moment of loss—it can start long before. In this episode, host Krystle Hall dives into anticipatory grief, the emotions we experience when we know a loss is coming. She shares personal stories of navigating the slow, painful reality of knowing goodbye is inevitable, from the decline of a beloved pet to losing her father and other family members.

Whether you’re facing a terminal diagnosis of a loved one, watching someone decline, or experiencing a major life transition, this episode will help you feel less alone. Krystle breaks down the emotional rollercoaster of anticipatory grief and offers insights on coping with the unknown.

📌 Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Welcome to Grief Unfiltered – Introduction and what this podcast is about.
[00:00:49] What is anticipatory grief? – Understanding grief that begins before loss occurs.
[00:01:26] Signs and emotions – How anticipatory grief can manifest, from sadness and anxiety to guilt and relief.
[00:02:43] Personal stories – Krystle shares six personal experiences with anticipatory grief.
[00:03:06] Bailey & Chloe – The heartbreaking journey of losing her dogs and seeing their bond in grief.
[00:10:25] Losing her dad – A deeply personal story of watching her father fight a terminal illness.
[00:21:48] The waiting game – How knowing loss is coming affects mental health and daily life.
[00:27:09] Her grandparents’ stories – Anticipating loss due to age and illness.
[00:30:06] Her mother-in-law’s journey – A different experience of anticipatory grief with a longer prognosis.
[00:32:05] Common experiences – Mood swings, awkward conversations, and the impact of “at least” statements.
[00:33:39] Emotional stages – Denial, anger, bargaining, sadness, and eventual acceptance.
[00:36:07] Communicating with loved ones – The importance of open conversations, no matter how uncomfortable.
[00:37:29] Key takeaways – Don’t do it alone, take it one day at a time, and find moments of joy.
[00:38:47] Final thoughts – Grief doesn’t mean stopping life; it means learning how to keep living.

💡 Resources & Links:

More Support: Grow Through Your Grief  🌿
Online Course: Befriend Your Grief  📚 

🎧 Subscribe & Share – If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share with someone who might need it.