Receiving a terminal diagnosis is no easy feat. To die with peace and dignity is a difficult goal to achieve. Even though it is very difficult, you can make decisions that will allow you to live the rest of your life with dignity until the last day. You need to be able to process emotions and have support. Here are some steps to make this process easier.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Considering Physical Options
Step 1. Understand your diagnosis
When you receive a terminal diagnosis, you may feel heavy and emotional. That's normal. Please process this information a few days (or as long as you need). When you feel up to it, ask your doctor to discuss the diagnosis one more time. Ask lots of questions, such as treatment options and specific details about your prognosis.
Ask a family member or close friend to accompany you to talk to your doctor. Maybe you find it difficult to discuss your own health. Friends can be your representatives to ask questions and take notes
Step 2. Know what legal options you have
Ending life with the help of a doctor is now an option that many terminal patients consider. There are some countries that have approved this option, but not the whole world. If you are interested, ask your doctor if this option is available. In those countries, this option is called Death With Dignity.
Discuss this option with the family. Many people are attracted to the option of ending life with the help of a doctor because they can control the death process
Step 3. Consider care for terminal patients
This option may be considered by terminal patients. This treatment is not to cure the disease, but to make the patient feel comfortable during the last days before death. In most cases, this treatment is done at home. For many people, it provides comfort to rest and helps them accept. Nurses are usually available 24/7 to help.
In addition, there is a terminal patient care program outside the home. Maybe you can search about the treatment. Don't be afraid to gather a lot of information before deciding which type of treatment is right for you
Step 4. Share your wishes with loved ones
Although it is very difficult, you have to talk about death with them. This is usually called the final briefing. For example, if you want terminal treatment at a hospice, make sure you make that wish clear to your family. As the disease progresses, you may find it increasingly difficult to communicate. Try to make a plan from the moment you receive the diagnosis, even if it is emotionally difficult.
- Make sure a trusted family member or friend is empowered to represent you. That way, that person can make decisions on your behalf if you can't act on your own.
- Contact a lawyer to assist you in the legality of the transfer of power.
Step 5. Overcome physical limitations
Usually, terminal illness is accompanied by a decline in physical health. You may feel that your body is rapidly weakening and that you can no longer do simple things for yourself. One of the most difficult parts of this process is relying on others to do the simplest things while maintaining self-respect.
- Choose nurses carefully. If you are hiring a professional nurse, make sure you discuss their style of care during the interview process. You need a nurse who is considerate and kind, and not ostentatious.
- If you decide to be cared for by a friend or family member, talk openly while you still can. Explain that you want to maintain dignity and want to be spoken to as an adult, not as a "baby." Have them read articles about treatment, Doctors will be able to provide the necessary resources.
Step 6. Accept that you will lose some form of independence
Another difficulty you may face is losing your independence. For example, depending on the disease and treatment, you may no longer be able to drive a car. The loss of freedom may be frustrating for you, especially since you've been through a lot of emotional changes.
- Try keeping a gratitude journal to help you focus on the positive aspects of life. Taking time each day to write down what you're grateful for can improve things and make you feel happier. For example, you can appreciate a cup of hot tea, chat with loved ones, or can enjoy the beauty of the sunset.
- Try joining a support group to remember that you are not alone. You can discuss thoughts about losing independence with other members and find out how they are coping.
Method 2 of 3: Coping With Psychological Effects
Step 1. Process your grief
When faced with a terminal prognosis, you will feel a variety of emotions. One of them is sadness because you have to accept the fact that your age is limited. Be kind to yourself and take the time it takes to process the emotion. Remember that there are no "right" feelings. Everyone deals with this verdict differently, and there's nothing wrong with that.
During the first few days, your emotions may change from time to time. Anger, denial, fear, and sadness are normal. Accept the feelings that arise, and know that they are natural
Step 2. Address your concerns
One of the most powerful emotions you may feel is worry. Logically, you are worried about dying and what will happen after you leave. Research shows that one effective way to reduce anxiety is to focus on what you can control. After processing your grief, you can think about treatment options and make a plan for what needs to be done after you pass away.
For example, begin to determine the medical action and treatment you want until death picks up. Make sure you consider several options, and pick the one you feel most comfortable with
Step 3. Find a way to enjoy life
A diagnosis may say you still have days, weeks, months, or years left. Since you've already received a terminal diagnosis, it can sometimes be difficult to focus on anything else. However, it is important that you try to enjoy the rest of your life. Try to focus on what you can still do, and make sure you're enjoying time with your loved ones.
- If you like the outdoors, try to enjoy the sun every day. Ask a friend or family member to accompany you on an outing when you feel like it.
- There are times when you still feel healthy regardless of the prognosis you receive. If you're feeling well, don't be afraid to do something you've been wanting to try for a long time. For example, you want to go abroad. If the doctor says you are healthy enough for it, go ahead.
Step 4. Get support
Anyone would find it difficult to deal with a terminal illness. So, it is important that you are surrounded by loved ones and let them help you. This may be difficult because you may not want others to see you as sick, or maybe you don't want to bother your family with so much to do to help you. Feelings are normal, but you and they will feel better emotionally if you resist the urge to distance yourself.
There are many support groups for people receiving a terminal diagnosis. Ask your doctor for recommendations. Meeting people who have received similar diagnoses can be very reassuring for terminal patients
Method 3 of 3: Clearing Business
Step 1. Write a will
A will is a simple and straightforward legal document, but it is very important. If you don't have a will yet, create one now. You can do it yourself or hire a lawyer. Make sure you list your assets and investments in detail. If you have minors, state clearly who will be the guardian of the child.
- Make sure you appoint an executor. The executor is the person who will ensure that your wishes are carried out.
- If you have a terminal illness, you can also make a living will. This will gives a designated family member or friend the power to make legal decisions if you can no longer do so.
Step 2. Plan your funeral
This planning can bring a sense of calm and may help with stress. There are some people who like the process of arranging a funeral that will take place when they die. You can set plans, specific or general, depending on what you want.
- If you want a specific funeral procession, religious or not, make sure it's explained. You can also choose the type of music you want to play at the funeral.
- Explain this plan to a loved one you trust. You can do a lot of planning, but you need someone to oversee the process after you're gone.
Step 3. Say goodbye
You may find comfort in saying goodbye to loved ones. This is very personal, and must be on your mind. Remember, there is no right way to deal with death. You can die in peace by dealing with this process as you wish.
- One way to say goodbye is to talk. If you feel like you're going to be at a loss for words later, plan what you want to say. Remember, tears and emotions are normal.
- There are some people who choose to write letters to loved ones as a final farewell. This letter can be read before or after you pass away.
Tips
- Death is personal. Remember, there is no right way to deal with this situation.
- Consult with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
