Eventually, everyone faces the heartbreaking reality of losing someone they care about. It’s an unavoidable part of life. However, certain losses can affect us far more deeply than we ever imagined.
Have you ever had a dream about someone who has passed away? The appearance of a loved one in your dreams might carry a meaning you’ve never considered.
Losing a loved one is never easy, and people cope with their grief in different ways. Some express their sorrow openly through tears, while others prefer solitude and silence. Still, there are those who suppress their emotions, choosing to act as though the loss doesn’t bother them. Yet, one experience many of us share is dreaming about those we’ve lost.
When we sleep, our subconscious mind takes control. Dreams about departed loved ones can feel profoundly meaningful. Could these dreams be messages from those who have passed on?
Patrick McNamara, an associate professor of neurology and psychiatry at Boston University, has explored this idea in depth. He describes a unique type of dream known as a “visitation dream.” These are dreams where deceased loved ones seem to visit the dreamer, appearing very much alive. According to McNamara, these dreams often provide comfort and connection during a time of grief.
McNamara shares his findings through a blog called Dream Catcher on Psychology Today. Over the years, he has delved into the meanings behind dreams and how they can influence us. He believes that visitation dreams serve an important purpose: they help us process grief, loss, and sorrow.
In one blog post, McNamara recounts his own experience with a visitation dream following the deaths of his parents. The dream left him deeply moved and convinced that these types of dreams might offer evidence of life after death. Despite his scientific and skeptical perspective, McNamara couldn’t shake the certainty that he had communicated with his parents. He notes, “If someone like me can feel this strongly, imagine how much more convinced someone who believes in dreams would be!”
The phenomenon of visitation dreams has captured the interest of many researchers. In 2014, a study published in the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care explored the impact of grief dreams on individuals. Researchers found that dreams about deceased loved ones occur frequently, carry significant meaning, and play a vital role in the healing process. These dreams often include themes like recalling cherished memories, seeing the loved one healthy and happy, or receiving messages from them.
In another study conducted in 2016, Canadian scientists examined the dreams of 76 middle-aged adults who had lost loved ones. They discovered that 67.1% of participants felt these dreams strengthened their belief in an afterlife. Additionally, about 70% described their dreams as “visitations,” and 71% reported feeling closer to their deceased loved ones after experiencing such dreams.
Jennifer E. Shorter, a psychologist at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in Palo Alto, California, has also studied this phenomenon. Her research, titled “Visitation Dreams in Grieving Individuals: A Phenomenological Inquiry into the Relationship Between Dreams and the Grieving,” sheds light on the characteristics of visitation dreams. While it’s unclear how many people experience them, Shorter notes that these dreams can occur shortly after someone passes away or even years later.
Through her research, Shorter identified four key features of visitation dreams:
- The deceased often appear as they did when they were alive but may look healthier or younger.
- They frequently communicate that they are at peace or doing well.
- Messages are typically conveyed in a telepathic or intuitive manner rather than through physical interaction.
- The dreams are calm, structured, and harmonious, leaving the dreamer with a sense of peace.
For many, visitation dreams provide a sense of connection and healing. They offer comfort during challenging times and remind us that love and memories endure beyond death.
Have you ever dreamed of someone you cared about who has passed away? If so, what did that dream mean to you? Dreams can have a profound impact, often carrying significance we may not fully understand. We’d love to hear your stories in the comments. If you’ve ever found comfort or meaning in a dream, don’t hesitate to share this article with others—it might bring them comfort too.
