Fear of death is a natural human response. Faced with a terminal diagnosis, many patients struggle with how to overcome fear of death to find peace and acceptance. “Where is the fear coming from? That's always my first question,” says Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care Chaplain Josh Hwang, MDIV.
Research suggests that death anxiety is common, though people tend not to report their feelings. One study shows that between 3% and 10% of people feel they're more nervous than others about the thought of dying.
“Thanatophobia”: Physician's Perspective of Dealing with Patients with Fear of Death - PMC. The . gov means it's official.
Dying patients experience fear of pain, fear of indignity, fear of abandonment, and fear of the unknown.
They Know They're Dying
Dying is a natural process that the body has to work at. Just as a woman in labor knows a baby is coming, a dying person may instinctively know death is near. Even if your loved one doesn't discuss their death, they most likely know it is coming.
Visions and Hallucinations
Visual or auditory hallucinations are often part of the dying experience. The appearance of family members or loved ones who have died is common. These visions are considered normal. The dying may turn their focus to “another world” and talk to people or see things that others do not see.
Hospice has a program that says that no one should have to die alone, and yet this hospice nurse is telling me to take a break? Some patients want to die when no one else is there. Hospice professionals know that companionship while dying is a personal preference.
You might be unable to stop crying and worrying. Or you might feel that there is no point in doing anything. You might also find it difficult to see life going on as normal for most people. It can feel very strange to watch people go about their daily lives, do shopping, drive, and work.
It's normal to feel shock, sadness, anger and helplessness. But for some people, the feeling they're unable to cope with their situation does not go away, and they feel too low to be able to do any of the things they want to. If this happens to you and these feelings persist, it may be helpful to talk to a doctor.
Pain and difficulty in breathing are two of the most frequent and serious symptoms experienced by patients in need of palliative care.
The studies claim that death anxiety peaks in men and women when in their 20s, but after this group, gender plays a role in the path that one takes.
Identify three fears that a person with a terminal illness might have. They fear abandonment, loneliness, and pain.
Often patients who are about to die will shed a single tear, and in some instances a second tear. This phenomenon known as lacrima mortis or the tear of death is a source of mystery that transcends this mortal realm.
What happens at the moment of death or in the hours before death, is generally just normal body actions. A tear is natural -- the eyes are partially open and have been for days or even weeks.
The reasons why death is scary are often related to the fears of the unknown, of non-existence, of eternal punishment, of the loss of control, and fear of what will happen to the people we love.
Many people living with a terminal illness experience pain, but not everyone does. It could be caused by your illness, or by a treatment or operation you've had. It could also be caused by a condition you've had for a while, such as arthritis.
Feeling a sense of burden to others is common among dying patients.
Someone with a terminal illness may live for days, weeks, months or years. It often depends on their diagnosis and any treatment they are having. It can be difficult for healthcare professionals to predict exactly how long someone with a terminal illness will live (their prognosis).
Patients with terminal illnesses can experience physical, emotional, and/or spiritual pain; however, this article focuses on evidence-based strategies for the management of severe physiological pain in patients nearing the end of life.
Terminal restlessness generally occurs in the last few days of life. Around 42 percent of hospice patients experience agitation during their final 48 hours. But even more develop symptoms before then, which may not subside until death.
Causes of Confusion at End of Life
Secondary issues such as a terminal tumor placing pressure on the brain or even simple fear, anger, or emotional turmoil can also contribute to the type of mental agitation that can lead to confusion.
Go Ahead and Cry
When a loved one cries in front of a dying person, that person then gains the permission and confidence to also be candid about emotions. It opens a pathway to a conversation that could be once in a lifetime. Additionally, the loved one who's dying knows others are sad.
Let them sleep and wake on their own. Talk to your loved one. Your loved one can likely hear you, even if they look to be asleep. They may be able to hear you up until the moment of death.
Research suggests that even as your body transitions into unconsciousness, it's possible that you'll still be able to feel comforting touches from your loved ones and hear them speaking. Touch and hearing are the last senses to go when we die.