When a close loved one is terminally ill, it's an extremely challenging phase because the situation involves anxiety, fear of the unknown (or a reality that we know but refuse to accept), and significant amounts of anticipatory grief.
Coping with grief after they die is a lot different from anticipatory grief. The one going through the unimaginable anticipatory grief often goes through many mixed feelings as they find themselves dedicated to maintaining some delicate hope while preparing to let go at the same time.
As there is often little to no support at this stage, we have compiled several ways that can help cope up if you're mourning the loss of a terminally ill loved one who is still here.
#1 Spend Quality Time Together
Although life is unpredictable, the brutality of facing the reality that your loved one is close to death makes it even more difficult to cope up. Some people reveal they don't like to witness the deteriorating condition of their loved ones who are suffering, but experts suggest spending as much time as one can so that you have no regrets later. Pull out old photos and boxes of belongings, cherish each laughter and tear while reminiscing those intricate, priceless moments.
#2 Educate Yourself About Death
Confront your fear while there is still time left by what is in store for you and the terminally ill loved in terms of physical and emotional aspects of the end-of-life stages. Read books, consult experts who can inform you about palliative care, hospice, and the process of dying. Knowing the process helps stay calm and more prepared.
Staying in denial doesn't help live through any difficult situation. If you actively engage yourself in doing everything you can to help your loved one, you'll feel a sense of relief and gratefulness about the role you were able to play in supporting them to achieve peaceful end-of-life.
#3 Don't Hesitate To Have 'The Conversation.'
It's understandably one of the most challenging conversations to have with people we love, but in order to fulfill their desires about what they want at the end of life, you should gear up the courage and have it anyway.
From what they want if the choice comes to quality of life versus quantity to end-of-life care decisions, where they would like to spend their last days, what type of body disposition, funeral graveside service, funeral and cemetery cremation services direct would they want… many serious questions need to be answered to make last rites of the loved one as per their wishes.
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