Did you know that majority of the individuals in palliative care suffer from spiritual distress? As one can imagine, the diagnosis of a chronic illness that negatively impacts the quality of life can be distressing for any individual. However, when the illness is terminal, it is very normal for a person to lose hope.
Spirituality is one of the core components of human experience. It is the foundation for an individual’s search for purpose in their life. Spirituality also encompasses how the individual connects with others, to themselves and to the sacred realm within their traditions and religion. It is also viewed as an essential element for the quality of life. Through spirituality, people are able to cope with their illnesses, experience different levels of healing and achieve the experience of coherence.
The diagnosis of any life threatening illness can create a misbalance in one’s spiritual perspective. This turmoil can be indefinite as patients try to make sense of the reality of their diagnosis and reassess what gives them value and what is the meaning of life and health now. This turmoil is extremely individualistic. For some, it can result in growth and transformation whereas others can feel despair, distress and can create disruptions within the family unit.
There are many signs and symptoms of spiritual distress including feeling hopelessness, feeling anxious or depressed, feeling and increasing sense of anger or having difficulty in sleeping. It is very common for individuals suffering from spiritual distress to question the meaning of life or suffering. The common manifestation is that many individuals feel “abandoned by God.” They begin to question their beliefs and a certain doubt emerges in them about their past spiritual or religious practises.
If someone you know is experiencing spiritual distress, one of the best ways to assist them or to help them cope through this is to become an active listener. Provide them with a supportive, calming and peaceful environment so that they are protected from unnecessary triggers. Talk to the individual about their life. Focus on both the good and the bad times as it would help the individual gain perspective. If the individual request to reach out to a spiritual leaders such as a Chaplin, rabbi, priest, Minister, Imam, contact them so that this individual can have their questions answered.
Another helpful tool is to present the individual with a journal or a diary. Jotting down their thoughts and feelings as well as the concerns and questions can be a very calming experience. By reminiscing through their life stories, the individual can be presented with possible answers. It also allows them an outlet to work through their emotions and thoughts.
The services at Alleviate HPC, are especially designed to address the spiritual needs of a patient with terminal illness.