Eventually, everyone experiences the loss of someone dear, which is an inevitable part of life. However, the death of certain loved ones can impact us in ways we might not anticipate.
Have you ever found yourself dreaming about someone who has passed away? The significance of these dreams might surprise you.
Grieving a loved one is profoundly challenging, and each person’s response to grief is unique. Some individuals openly express their sorrow, while others may withdraw and remain silent. Some might avoid discussing the loss altogether, putting on a brave face. Yet, a common experience among many people is dreaming of those who have died. When we sleep, our subconscious takes the reins, and dreaming of a deceased person can carry deeper meaning.
So, do these dreams convey messages from those we’ve lost?
Patrick McNamara, an associate professor of neurology and psychiatry at Boston University, refers to dreams featuring deceased individuals as “visitation dreams”. He describes them as dreams where the deceased appear to the bereaved, looking very much alive. McNamara, who also writes for Psychology Today under the pseudonym Dream Catcher, has shared insights about dreams and their significance over the years. He suggests that visitation dreams often serve a crucial role in helping individuals process grief and sorrow.
In one of his blog posts, McNamara reflects on a visitation dream he had after losing his parents, leading him to consider these dreams as evidence of life after death. He notes: “If I, a person who approaches dreams with skepticism, felt I had communicated with my deceased parents, how much more convincing would this be for someone less skeptical?”
McNamara’s interest in these dreams aligns with various studies exploring this phenomenon. For instance, a 2014 study published in the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care investigated the effects of grief dreams, finding that they occur frequently and can significantly aid in the healing process. The study highlighted common themes, such as memories of the deceased, their presence in an afterlife setting, and messages communicated during the dreams.
In 2016, Canadian researchers analyzed dreams from 76 middle-aged individuals who were grieving. Their findings revealed that 67.1% of participants felt that their dreams of the deceased bolstered their belief in an afterlife. Around 70% described these dreams as “visitations”, and 71% reported feeling a deeper connection with their lost loved ones through these experiences.
Psychologist Jennifer E. Shorter from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology has also researched the connection between dreams and grief. In her study: “Visitation Dreams in Grieving Individuals”, she notes that while the prevalence of visitation dreams is unknown, they can occur shortly after a death or even long afterward. She identifies four characteristics that define these dreams:
- The deceased appear as they did in life, often looking healthier or younger.
- They typically convey a message about their well-being.
- Communication is experienced more as a telepathic connection rather than a physical presence.
- The overall tone of the dream is calm and harmonious.