Join this discussion to gain an understanding of anticipatory grief. Family caregivers, people diagnosed with a serious illness, individuals bracing themselves for ecological harm caused by injustice and climate change, and those facing all kinds of fear about the future are most welcome.

In the words of grief activist, social worker, and author Lisa Keefauver, “grief is a sneaky bitch.” It’s unpredictable. It shows up uninvited. And often, it arrives early when there’s an impending transition in our lives. Common expected losses can include receiving a terminal or life-limiting diagnosis for yourself or a loved one, but anticipatory grief can also result from other kinds of significant change in our social networks and environments. In this kickoff session for this three-part series, guest speakers will illuminate the common characteristics of anticipatory grief and share their personal stories and strategies for navigating this type of loss.

• How is anticipatory grief different from or related to grief after the death of someone we love?

• What are the ways to care for caregivers experiencing anticipatory grief? 

• Why are the social stigmas and cultural myths that impact our ability to grieve the diagnosis of a chronic or serious illness?

• What kinds of support do BIPOC, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented communities need when anticipating loss? 

• When we foresee future devastation to the planet caused by climate change or environmental injustice, what can we do to hold space for ecological grief, preserve what remains and remember what we’ve lost?

Register here: https://letsreimagine.org/76768/lets-learn-when-grief-shows-up-early