Illness and loss
The challenges of illness and dying
A serious illness or the imminent death of a loved one turns life upside down. For those affected, it is about coping with pain and restrictions, while relatives deal with feelings of helplessness, grief and being overwhelmed.
Illness and dying are not only physical challenges, but also emotional ones. The feelings associated with this are often difficult to process.
For those affected
A serious illness or the prospect of the end of life brings with it many emotions that can often occur simultaneously:
- Fear: What will the future look like? What pain or restrictions can I expect? These uncertainties can be stressful.
- Grief: The diagnosis is often accompanied by the feeling of having to say goodbye to previous life plans, hobbies or one's own health.
- Loneliness: Many affected people feel alone with their worries, especially if those around them react uncertainly or helplessly.
- Guilt: Some people blame themselves for being a burden on their loved ones or putting a strain on their lives.
For relatives
There are also major emotional challenges for the people who accompany a sick person:
- Care and helplessness: The desire to help is often met with the feeling of not being able to do enough. This can be frustrating and overwhelming.
- Grief: Even before the loss, relatives experience so-called "anticipated grief" - they sense the approaching farewell and suffer as a result.
- Fear: Thoughts of the loss or uncertainty about what is to come often trigger great anxiety.
- Conflicts: Different ideas about care or how to deal with the situation can cause tensions within the family.
First steps: What you can do in this situation
Even if the situation seems overwhelming, small steps can help to lighten the load a little.
Openness and communication
- Share your feelings: Talk about your worries and fears - with the person concerned or other people you trust.
- Seek open discussions: Clarify important topics such as wishes for treatment, saying goodbye or organizational issues early on.
- Accept support: Ask friends or family members for specific help, e.g. for organizational tasks or emotional support. For example, for organizational tasks or emotional support.
Create practical relief
- Gain an overview: List which tasks are pending and prioritize them.
- Organize help: Contact care consultations, social services or voluntary hospice services.
- Don't forget self-care: Consciously take time to rest, even if it's difficult.
Finding support: Where can I get help?
In stressful times, it is important to get support - be it emotional, practical or financial. There are numerous services that can help you.
Counseling and care services
- Palliative and hospice services: These services support seriously ill people and their relatives to maintain their quality of life.
- Care advice centres: Support with the organization of care, financial assistance and practical issues.
- Grief counselling: Professional help to deal with the feelings after a loss.
Financial and organizational help
- Care allowance and aids: Information on financial support from care insurance.
- Preventive care and legal matters: Support with living wills, health care proxies or making a will.
- Relief services: Subsidies for short-term care or home help.
Tip: Many of these services can be used free of charge or at a low cost. Don't hesitate to ask and accept the help.
Frequently asked questions about illness and loss
You can contact social services, palliative care teams or self-help groups as required. These offer advice, support in everyday life and guidance for those affected and their relatives.
Stay open and honest, but adapt your words to the situation and the needs of the other person. Empathetic conversations create trust and help you to find solutions together. Counselling centers can prepare you for such conversations.
Outpatient palliative care services, hospice services and care services provide support in caring for dying people. They also offer psychological support for the whole family.