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What role does preparation play in managing it? · Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor

• 0:01
  SPEAKER_00: What role does preparation play in managing anticipatory grief?
• 0:07
  SPEAKER_00: Anticipatory grief itself is a preparatory process.
• 0:13
  SPEAKER_00: So psychologically we are preparing for a loss that we know is inevitable.
• 0:19
  SPEAKER_00: By taking some steps, it's really going to help you navigate this difficult period, feeling like you've got a bit more resilience and greater emotional readiness for what's to come.
• 0:31
  SPEAKER_00: So there's three important areas where preparation can really help.
• 0:36
  SPEAKER_00: So the first area is practical planning.
• 0:39
  SPEAKER_00: So this planning may involve tying up loose ends, such as ensuring wills are in place and making sure that financial plans are updated and in place.
• 0:51
  SPEAKER_00: If your loved one requires end-of-life care, then explore your options and make arrangements now before you actually need the services.
• 1:00
  SPEAKER_00: That can take a lot of stress away.
• 1:03
  SPEAKER_00: And living every day with your loved one and filling every day with the things that bring them joy and comfort can be really helpful.
• 1:12
  SPEAKER_00: So think about what hobbies they want to do, activities, visiting their favourite places, seeing people, you know, all that sort of stuff can really help.
• 1:24
  SPEAKER_00: The second area is emotional preparation.
• 1:27
  SPEAKER_00: As I mentioned before, you're psychologically already grieving and preparing.
• 1:32
  SPEAKER_00: But this is such a personal journey.
• 1:35
  SPEAKER_00: But the main point of this part is to give yourself permission to acknowledge how difficult this is for you.
• 1:42
  SPEAKER_00: So you may feel emotions of sadness, anger, frustration, fear, and anxiety similar of what is to come.
• 1:52
  SPEAKER_00: So accepting that situation is beyond your control is important.
• 1:58
  SPEAKER_00: You can accept this without giving up hope.
• 2:02
  SPEAKER_00: You can make sure that you've said and done everything you need to for your own peace of mind as well as for your loved one, so that you will have no regrets afterwards.
• 2:14
  SPEAKER_00: Finally, the third area.
• 2:16
  SPEAKER_00: This is self-care and personal well-being.
• 2:19
  SPEAKER_00: So in a way it's the most important because without your presence and health, then you can't support and move through this at all.
• 2:27
  SPEAKER_00: So make sure you try and stay connected to your support network, who can provide invaluable distraction and reminders that life is going on.
• 2:37
  SPEAKER_00: You don't have to talk about what's going on for you, you can just go for coffee and talk about news, the world, you know, whatever it takes as a distraction.
• 2:46
  SPEAKER_00: So try to get enough sleep and eat nutritionally rich food.
• 2:50
  SPEAKER_00: Whilst we're under stress, our bodies are flooded with cortisol and adrenaline to keep us going.
• 2:56
  SPEAKER_00: However, this can be really draining and take its toll on our bodies, so we really need to ramp up that extra care.
• 3:03
  SPEAKER_00: Get comfortable as well with relinquishing responsibilities to others so that you're not doing the lion's share of caring.
• 3:11
  SPEAKER_00: Don't be afraid to ask for support, whether it's researching what your local authorities offer or reaching out to loved ones.
• 3:18
  SPEAKER_00: All of this preparation can clear the path for further down the line where you will need more space and time to grieve after the loss and you'll be feeling less overwhelmed.
• 3:31
  SPEAKER_00: If you are struggling already and that's okay, please consider contacting your GP for either medical advice or mental health support on the NHS number 111 option two for mental health.
• 3:46
  SPEAKER_00: Finding the appropriate service is helpful too.
• 3:49
  SPEAKER_00: So if your loss is related to cancer, Alzheimer's, or another health condition, then look online because specialist support can make a lot of difference.
• 3:58
  SPEAKER_00: Please take care of yourself and thank you for listening.