What Does It Mean When You Dream of Someone Who Has Passed Away?

Sooner or later, everyone experiences the loss of someone close to them—unfortunately, it's an inevitable part of life.

However, the passing of certain loved ones can impact us in ways we never expected. Have you ever had a dream where someone who has passed away appears?

The meaning behind these dreams may be more profound than you realize.

Losing a loved one is incredibly difficult, and everyone copes with grief in their own way. Some cry openly, while others retreat inward and remain silent. Some may avoid the subject altogether or behave as if they are unaffected. Yet, many people share a common experience—dreaming of loved ones who have passed away. When we sleep, our subconscious mind takes over, and dreaming of a deceased person could hold significant meaning.

So, can dreams convey messages from loved ones who have passed on?

Patrick McNamara, an associate professor of neurology and psychiatry at Boston University, has coined a term for these experiences—"visitation dreams." This refers to dreams in which the deceased appear to the bereaved, often seeming alive and well. According to McNamara, these dreams offer a way for the deceased to "visit" us in our sleep, helping us cope with our grief and loss.

McNamara, who also blogs under the name "Dream Catcher" at Psychology Today, has shared his thoughts on dreams and their significance for years. He explains that visitation dreams often have a psychological basis, helping individuals process sorrow and find healing.

In one of his blog posts, McNamara recalls a visitation dream he experienced after his parents passed away. The dream left him convinced that it was more than a product of his imagination—it felt like genuine communication with his deceased parents. He writes, “Now if I, someone who has studied dreams with a skeptical, scientific mindset, could not shake the conviction that I had just communicated with my dead parents, how much stronger must the conviction be for someone who is less skeptical than I am?”

McNamara is not alone in his interest in these dreams. Multiple studies have examined this phenomenon in greater depth.

In 2014, a study published in the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care explored the impact of grief-related dreams. The study found that dreams of deceased loved ones occur frequently, can carry deep meaning, and contribute to the healing process. Common themes in these dreams include memories of past experiences, seeing the deceased healthy and at peace, and receiving comforting messages from them.

In 2016, Canadian researchers analyzed the dreams of 76 bereaved middle-aged individuals. Their study revealed that 67.1% of participants reported that dreaming of the deceased strengthened their belief in an afterlife. Around 70% described their dreams as "visitations," and 71% said these dreams helped them feel more connected to their loved ones.

Psychologist Jennifer E. Shorter, from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in Palo Alto, CA, has also conducted research on dreams during the grieving process. In her study, “Visitation Dreams in Grieving Individuals: A Phenomenological Inquiry into the Relationship Between Dreams and the Grieving,” she outlines the characteristics of visitation dreams.

According to her findings, visitation dreams often occur either shortly after a person has passed or even years later. She identifies four key traits that define a visitation dream:

1. The deceased appear as they did when alive, often looking healthier or younger.
2. The deceased may communicate a message, usually reassuring the dreamer that they are well.
3. The message is often conveyed telepathically, rather than through spoken words.
4. The dream is typically calm, peaceful, and organized.

Have you ever experienced a dream involving a loved one who has passed away? What did it mean to you?

Feel free to share your experience in the comments, and if you believe in the significance of dreams, share this article with others on Facebook!