Losing someone close is one of the hardest parts of life. Everyone experiences grief differently, and it can affect us in ways we never expected.
Have you ever dreamed of someone who has passed away? The meaning behind it might surprise you.
Grief takes many forms. Some people cry a lot, while others stay quiet and keep their feelings inside. Some try to avoid the topic, while others act like nothing has changed. However, one thing many people experience is dreaming about the person who passed away.
When we sleep, our subconscious mind takes over. If you’ve had a dream about a loved one who is no longer alive, it might not just be a coincidence.
Do dreams carry messages from those who have passed away?
Patrick McNamara, an associate professor of neurology and psychiatry at Boston University, has studied this topic. He explains that these types of dreams are called “visitation dreams.” In these dreams, the deceased person appears alive and may even communicate with the dreamer.
McNamara, who blogs under the name Dream Catcher at Psychology Today, has researched dreams and their meanings for years. According to him, these dreams can help people cope with grief and loss.
He shared a personal experience about dreaming of his parents after they passed away. The dream felt so real that he began to consider whether these dreams could be a sign of life after death.
Studies on dreams of deceased loved ones
Many researchers have studied this phenomenon. A 2014 study in the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care found that dreams about lost loved ones are common and can help with healing.
The study identified common themes in these dreams, such as:
- Reliving past memories
- Seeing the deceased healthy and at peace
- Receiving messages from them
A 2016 study in Canada found that 67% of bereaved people said these dreams made them believe more in an afterlife. Around 70% described these dreams as visitations, and 71% said they felt more connected to their lost loved ones after having these dreams.
Characteristics of visitation dreams
Psychologist Jennifer E. Shorter has identified four main signs of a visitation dream:
- The deceased appears as they did when alive, often looking healthier or younger.
- They communicate that they are at peace.
- The message is often felt rather than spoken.
- The dream feels calm and structured.
These dreams may provide comfort and a sense of connection, helping people process their loss.