Indeed, how does one deal with the thought of dying? What reaction goes through the mind? How do we cope when we are told that we are dying? Or our child? I had been there once and I fought back because there is no other way.
Here’s an excerpt written by Dr Suzy Jordache
Initial reactions
Most people live their lives as if somehow immune to life-threatening events. They tend to believe they’re in absolute control of their time here. A diagnosis of cancer or other life-threatening disease shatters these assumptions.
The immediate reaction to such bad news tends to be a mixture of disbelief, confusion, shock and numbness. Most people find it hard to remember what’s been said and it’s often necessary to go back over the information at a later stage when the shock of the news has passed a little.
Adjustment styles
Once the initial confusion and panic settles it seems that people interpret the threat posed by the bad news in several ways. Greer and Watson (1987) identified these five common adjustment styles:
- Fighting spirit: ‘This is a challenge. I’ll win.’
- Avoidance or denial: ‘It’s not that serious.’
- Fatalism: ‘It’s out of my hands. I’ve had a good life - what’s left is a bonus.’
- Helplessness and hopelessness: ‘There’s nothing I can do. What’s the point of going on?’
- Anxious preoccupation: ‘I’m so worried about everything all the time.’
Read further how others can give support to the terminal patients.