Those with a terminal illness may find it helpful to talk to friends and loved ones about their condition. It can be helpful to the terminally ill for relatives, friends and caregivers to offer an empathetic ear. However, it can be painful and challenging for the listeners. Those close to the terminally ill person may find it hard to talk about that person’s illness.
In that case, it can be helpful to seek out support groups for the terminally ill person. Hearing the stories of those in a similar situation can often help the terminally ill person better cope with their own illness. Doctors can recommend support groups, or you can research groups online. If you find a group online, be sure to monitor the group discussion to make sure it is appropriate. Click here to view a list of support groups in Texas.
Others with terminal illnesses find it helpful to express their feelings creatively. Being creative can ward off feelings of depression. Some forms of creative expression include:
- keeping a journal
- painting
- playing an instrument
It may not be possible to fully stop a terminally ill person from feeling grief, but it is possible to prevent and treat their depression. Alleviating depression in a terminally ill person can greatly increase their quality of life.
Suicide Prevention
If you think someone is at immediate risk of self-harm or hurting another person:
- Call 911 or your local emergency number.
- Stay with the person until help arrives.
- Remove any guns, knives, medications or other things that may cause harm.
- Listen, but don’t judge, argue, threaten or yell.
If you think someone is considering suicide, get help from a crisis or suicide prevention hotline. Try the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255.
Sources: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(article courtesy of Healthline Media; see it here; medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, CRNP on March 14, 2016 — written by Erica Cirino)