Grief has several components: physical, behavioural, emotional, mental, social and spiritual. Looking at an anticipated death for example when someone is terminally ill planning can be made well in advance of the loss happening. We may then experience anticipatory grief. This type of grief gives the bereaved an opportunity to gain closure. The bereaved would still feel emotions of fear, anger, guilt, sadness, blame and possibly denial. It can also have physical aspects such as upset stomach and shortness of breath. The impact of loss can also have cognitive responses like forgetfulness, lack of concentration or poor sleep patterns. However anticipatory grief gives the bereaved an opportunity to come to terms with the situation gradually, being able to attempt to start dealing with life without their loved one. Also they have the chance to say goodbye, thank you and I love you which can help with the process of healing after the death. Also with an anticipated death the person who have been diagnosed has a chance to prepare by arranging the funeral, having last requests and ensuring loose ends are tied so there is no problems with the will or assets after their death. All these things will have an effect on the bereaved loved ones and make the impacts of loss less harrowing once they have gone.
In an unexpected death for example a heart attack, the impacts of the loss are intensified because there is no opportunity to prepare for the loss, say good bye. This type of loss can produce intense grief which would trigger emotions of shock, anger, guilt, sudden depression, despair and hopelessness. This could then begin erratic behaviour fearing for the worst
References: Bowlby John (1980) Attachment and Loss Volume 3 Loss Sadness and Depression, New York, Basic Books College Notes Loss and Grief Janet Miller and Susan Gibb (2009), Care in Practise for Higher, Second Edition, Paisley, Hodder Gibson Kubler Ross (1969) On Death and Dying, Routledge Margaret S Stroebe and Wolfgang Stroebe (1993) Theory Research and Intervention, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press Neil Thompson (2002), People Skills, Second Edition, Hampshire, Palgrave MacMillan. Rudi Dallos and Eugene McLaughlin, (1991) Social Problems and the Family London, Sage Publishers.