The news of suffering from a life-threatening disease such as cancer is a shock for anyone affected. Reacting to this with fear, sadness and anger is completely normal. The crucial thing is to get the negative feelings back under control.
This also applies to people whose life span is actually coming to an end. The hope of getting well again is extinguished, the ailments become more severe, and strength wanes. Nevertheless, happy and peaceful moments are possible even in this last phase.
Specially trained psychologists can accompany life-threateningly ill patients on this path. In discussions, they help them to come to terms with the situation and keep fears and depression at bay. In the final phase of life, they support the sick in coming to terms with the impending end and saying goodbye to their own lives and the people close to them.
Overcoming fears
The focus is on coping with the fears that accompany a serious illness or approaching death. These are manifold. They range from concrete fears of pain, shortness of breath and other physical discomfort, to worries about losing control, dignity and self-determination, to fears about dying and death. In addition, there may be worries about the loved ones one will leave behind.
These fears can manifest themselves in very different ways. Some patients isolate themselves, others react aggressively, and in still others the emotional fears manifest themselves in physical complaints.
Psychology has a whole range of strategies for dealing with anxiety. Relaxation techniques and turning specifically to comforting and positive thoughts, for example with the help of imagination exercises, are particularly helpful.
Keeping depression at bay
Everyone can understand that many seriously ill people initially feel despair and deep depression when faced with their situation. A large proportion manage to overcome this emotional crisis on their own or by talking to relatives or clinical staff. Other patients do not manage this – they slip into a depression that requires treatment. Typical signs of depression are:
- inner emptiness
- Lack of drive
- @ disinterest
- loss of zest for life
- constant brooding
- Feelings of guilt, complaining about oneself
- the feeling of being worth nothing
- concentration and memory problems
- inner restlessness
Fatigue syndrome
Cancer patients in particular often suffer from persistent, debilitating exhaustion during the course of their disease. Although they get enough sleep, they feel constantly tired and powerless and find it difficult to get up and do anything. Those affected have an excessive need for rest. Doctors refer to this condition as fatigue syndrome – or fatigue for short. In many patients, fatigue begins with the start of chemotherapy or radiation therapy and persists for weeks and months after the end of the treatment.
There are a number of things that can be done to combat fatigue. If, for example, anemia or a hormonal disorder is behind the symptoms, appropriate nutrition and drug therapy can help. Regular exercise also revives the spirits. Behavioral therapy exercises can also be used to change unfavorable behavioral patterns.
Spiritual support
Psychological support for relatives
Not only the patient, but also the relatives need support. They are the patient’s most important support, but at the same time suffer from the situation themselves. They, too, have to struggle with fears and grief. Within the framework of palliative care, they can take advantage of psychological and pastoral support just like the sick person – even after the death of the relative.
