A diagnosis of a terminal illness starts with an instant reshuffling of a person’s priorities. There are also many new concerns and challenges to consider. Keep reading for some practice tips to deal with a terminal illness, no matter how many issues may arise after someone learns their remaining time is limited.
From Podcast Hosting to learning everything a person can about their situation, use the tips and information here in mind to better cope with the recent diagnosis.
1. Gain Knowledge
What most people fear most is what they do not understand. Now is the time to learn as much as possible about the illness and the effects it will have.
2. Forgive Yourself
There is no right or wrong way to cope with a terminal illness. Individuals are going to experience a wide chasm of emotions from depression and fear to resentment and anger. Expect and forgive yourself.
3. Set Priorities
Depending on the nature and extent of a person’s illness, and after talking to the doctor, determine what the next, right steps are. For example, are there potential treatment options that may help to prolong a person’s life?
4. Plan a “Good Death”
Someone with a terminal illness should create a plan that will allow them to die on their own terms and as comfortably as possible. There are many options to consider, so keep this in mind.
5. Talk About It
With so much focus on a person’s illness, it may be easy to remember that other people are going through many emotions, too. The thought of losing someone they love is often devastating. Family and friends may also feel unsure about how to act or what to say when they are around.
6. Create a Support Network
It is necessary to create a practical support network right away. After all, at some point, a person will be no longer able to handle day-to-day activities. Having people to help with this will pay off in the long run.
7. Process the Necessary Paperwork
Be sure to take time to create or update the will and insurance paperwork. If this has not been done, now is the time to make it a priority and let everyone in the family know where the documents are located.
8. Preplan the Funeral
While this may seem morbid, a terminal illness means that the end is imminent. As a result, it is a good idea to preplan a person’s funeral. This is going to help ensure that family members know what to do and what the person wants when they have passed.
9. Say It All
Now is the time to get everything out. There is no reason to hold it in. Tell everyone what you want them to know. This will help ensure everyone has peace of mind when the individual finally passes.
10. Seize the Day
Now is the time to make it count. Do things a person has always dreamed of. Don’t hold back.
When it comes to a terminal illness, there are more than a few factors to consider. Being informed is the best way to ensure that a person handles the terminal illness and copes with it as well as possible.
