Dreams of deceased loved ones can hold significant meaning. Patrick McNamara, a neuroscientist, calls them “visitation dreams,” where the deceased person appears alive. McNamara believes these dreams help us cope with grief and sorrow. He shared a personal experience, suggesting they may indicate life after death.
Research supports this notion. A study in the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care found that dreams of the deceased are frequent, meaningful, and aid healing. Themes include reliving memories, seeing the deceased as healthy, and receiving messages.
Another study by Canadian researchers discovered that such dreams help individuals believe in an afterlife and feel more connected to the deceased.
Psychologist Jennifer E. Shorter identified four key characteristics of visitation dreams: the deceased appear as they did in life, often healthier; they convey their well-being; messages are telepathic; and the dreams are calm and organized.
In conclusion, dreaming of departed loved ones can be a way for our subconscious to help us deal with loss, providing comfort and reassurance about the afterlife.