Terminal Diagnosis

A terminal diagnosis can change life in an instant. Whether you have received a terminal diagnosis yourself or are supporting a loved one, the emotional impact can be overwhelming. Alongside shock and fear, many people experience intense grief for the future they imagined, the plans they can no longer make, and the life that feels suddenly uncertain.

This type of grief often begins long before any physical loss occurs. It is real, valid, and deeply personal.

Understanding Anticipatory Grief

When facing a terminal illness, many people experience anticipatory grief — grieving the loss of life, time, health, and shared futures before the loss actually happens.

You may experience:

  • Shock, disbelief, or numbness
  • Deep sadness or a sense of mourning
  • Anxiety about the future
  • Anger, fear, or helplessness
  • Guilt about moments of relief or normality

There is no right or wrong way to feel. Grief does not follow a timetable.


Grieving While Still Living

A terminal diagnosis can bring unique emotional challenges. You may feel caught between living in the present and mourning what lies ahead. You may grieve:

  • Lost time and missed opportunities
  • Unfulfilled dreams and milestones
  • Changes to your role within your family
  • The impact on loved ones
  • A loss of control and certainty

This experience can affect both the person who is ill and those who love them deeply.


You Are Not Alone

Many people feel they have to be “strong” for others during this time. As a result, their own grief can become invisible and unsupported. But you do not have to carry this alone.

Talking to someone who understands can bring comfort, clarity, and emotional relief.

How the National Grief Advice Service Can Help

The National Grief Advice Service offers compassionate, confidential support for individuals and families affected by terminal illness. Our trained advisors provide a safe, non-judgemental space where you can talk openly about your fears, grief, and emotional pain.

We can help you:

  • Process complex and overwhelming emotions
  • Cope with anxiety and fear
  • Find ways to communicate with loved ones
  • Feel heard, supported, and understood
  • Navigate this time with dignity and emotional care


When to Seek Support

You may benefit from professional support if:

  • Your emotions feel too heavy to manage alone
  • You feel isolated, numb, or overwhelmed
  • You are struggling to function day-to-day
  • You feel lost, frightened, or emotionally exhausted

Support is not a weakness — it is a source of strength.


A Message of Compassion and Hope

Although a terminal diagnosis brings profound sorrow, it can also be a time for connection, love, and meaning. With the right emotional support, you do not have to face this journey alone.

The National Grief Advice Service is here to walk alongside you with compassion, dignity, and understanding.