The ability to communicate bad news to a patient regarding terminal illness or to express a death of a loved one to waiting family is a key skill in healthcare. Once considered not critical to performance, it now is a key skill to recognizing that there is more to people than merely physical well being, but also mental and emotional. Hospitals and health facilities are now putting time and effort into training for staff to have the necessary skills to share bad news and how to properly communicate it. Still, many physicians try to pass the torch to others to do this for them.
Many are uncomfortable to communicate bad news but the necessity to learn about death, dying and grief and how to mentally and emotionally help individuals processing this information is something that needs addressed regardless of discomfort. Bedside manner, expressing bad news, and helping others cope are becoming part of the job description.
AIHCP’s Pastoral Thanatology Program helps train healthcare professionals and chaplains in helping the dying and families of the dying able to find consolation in those dark hours of bad news and death itself. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Pastoral Thanatology
Healthcare unfortunately sometimes sees patients as win or lose. Was the patient saved or cured or did the patient die is the common judge of success. Death, disease and incurable ailments though are part of life and healthcare should not see the death or survival of an individual as a grading process of competence. While all measures and standards of care should be performed and addressed properly, sometimes patients die or cannot be cured and the end result should not be seen as defeat in healthcare. Instead healthcare professionals must be able to extend themselves to another level of care that looks to treat the entirety of the human person who is dying. When the person who is terminal receives the best care that reduces physical and emotional discomfort, then a healthcare professional can truly say they succeeded. Success should be graded on giving the best that is available both physically and emotionally.
Unfortunately, not all healthcare professionals are equipped with training to give bad news to patients and family
Many physicians and nurses are not well versed or well trained to give bad news though to the terminally ill or able to communicate the death of a loved one to a family. Instead, many times, it is handled very sterile or avoided at all costs. Elisabeth Kubler Ross began to turn the table in the 1980s on this sterile and numb approach to communicating death. It, however, involved an entire re-understanding of life and death, medical success vs medical failure and a better understanding of helping those in grief. Of course, this led to Elisabeth Kubler Ross’s famous 5 stages of grieving, which mistakenly were applied to grief in general, when they were designed to retrace reactions of the terminal ill to death. Denial, anger, sadness, bargaining and ultimately acceptance became the norms of grief reaction and they mistakenly became seen as fixed, sequential stages, instead of reactions of the terminally ill to bad news. They still serve as foundational pieces of emotions associated with loss and can be utilized in helping those in healthcare to react to the emotional response to death and loss itself.
Since the turn of the century, the need of grief counseling, pastoral counseling and training in giving bad news to patients has increased. While many healthcare professionals still lack bed side manner, the push to train and certify, and prepare others through module training programs has increased. Healthcare facilities are starting to see the need of trained professionals who can deliver the necessary news in a solemn and professional manner.
Terminal diagnosis is difficult to communicate and requires training to properly tell patients
In regards to this, those trained learn a variety of grief theories about loss, crisis intervention, and communication skills. In many cases, the patient or family is already in a sense of anxiety due to the wait and emotions are tense. Caregivers should be prepared for a myriad of emotions that can erupt when a bad diagnosis, or death is revealed. Understanding the situation, being calm, and allowing the individuals to express initially is key.
While many caregivers would rather keep it simple, detail is important. The family or person will have numerous questions. A facility should have a quiet and private place to be able to aid the family in digesting the news. Questions will emerge and answers should give the most up to date factual information regarding the situation. In some cases, crisis intervention and emotional support will be required, but one should not limit information. Information should be given as the family is able to digest it. A later follow up meeting may be needed to allow the family to grieve until they are able to ask more logical questions. Hence communication of diagnosis is key but also an understanding of the family system and the emotional response. Each experience will be unique and require adjustment in how it is presented. Silence, or avoidance however is never the answer.
The article, ‘Delivering Bad News to a Patient” by Monden, K., et. al. takes a closer look at question system employed by Rabow and McPhee. The article states,
“Rabow and McPhee also proposed a model for delivering bad news called ABCDE: A, advance preparation; B, build a therapeutic environment/relationship; C, communicate well; D, deal with patient and family reactions; and E, encourage and validate emotions”
Monden, K., Gentry, L., Cox, M. (2016). Delivering bad news to patients. Baylor University Medical Center. 29(1). 101–102.
Within the context of terminal diagnosis, the bad news could be shocking to those present but it could also be divisive. Some family may wish to keep things a secret, or others may enter into a state of denial, while some may optimistically seek next step solutions. It is essential to understand the state of shock the family is in and to accurately give the diagnosis, statistics and courses of option.
Giving bad news requires finding a quiet place and the patience and understanding of human reaction to loss
Within immediate death, some family may want more details, while others may fall into silence. Others my need crisis intervention, coping advice, or the aided in relaxing from the traumatic news. Again, training modules with case studies can help prepare healthcare providers with better methods to alleviate the pain and better aid the family in hearing the horrible news of the death.
While some healthcare professionals are naturally better at helping families emotionally, there still must be a continued emphasis on training. Many families leave without any emotional support, confusion, and lack of full information regarding the death or the terminal diagnosis. This only compounds the trauma and emotional stress. Hence it is important that training be applied to all staff. It is fine to have one particular staff member who is more emotionally able to communicate bad news, but sometimes, it is still essential for the primary care giver to be able to answer questions and help those in distress.
AIHCP offers a certification in Pastoral Thanatology that aids professionals in learning more about caring for the terminally ill as well as being better equipped to communicate difficult diagnosis or news. The program equips professionals with knowledge on grief counseling as well as care for the terminally ill. It also equips the professional with information on death itself and multiple cultural, pastoral and religious beliefs related to death. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Pastoral Thanatology. While many chaplains take the program, it is highly encouraged that nurses and other healthcare professionals also learn more about pastoral care of the dying and giving bad news.
Reference
Postavaru, G., McDermott, H., Biswas, S., Munirm, F. (2023). Receiving and breaking bad news: A qualitative study of family carers managing a cancer diagnosis and interactions with healthcare services. Leading Global Nursing Research, 79(6). 2211-2223.
Coyle, N. , Manna, R., Shen, M., Banerjee, S.M, Penn, S, et. al. (2015). Discussing Death, Dying, and End-of-Life Goals of Care: A Communication Skills Training Module for Oncology Nurses. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing 19(6). 697-702.
Monden, K., Gentry, L., Cox, M. (2016). Delivering bad news to patients. Baylor University Medical Center. 29(1). 101–102. Access here
Additional Resources
“How can doctors share bad news with patients?”. Beresford, L. (2017). Medical News Today. Access here
“Delivering bad news: Helping your patients retain dire details”. Augnst, H. (2009). Contemporary Pediatrics. Access here
Death is as common and as natural as birth but death discussion is always avoided till its usually too late. With death being a reality, the more we discuss it, the more we can understand it but also the connections we have with others and their thoughts and desires. Talking about death does not illustrate a morbid fascination but recognizes a reality that time is precious and we must enjoy the time we have with our loved ones. No next day is ever promised. Unfortunately, many fear this topic or wish to deny it.
Discussion about death while alive is healthy and needed. Please also review AIHCP’s Pastoral Thanatology Certification
The article, “If death happens to us all, we should probably talk more openly about grief” by Dinah Lewis Boucher discusses the impact of losing someone and the long mental process to learn to live without that person. Boucher states,
“Three years after my husband died, his toothbrush remained in our family’s toothbrush holder. It didn’t make any sense, of course. He didn’t need it. But there it stood, three toothbrushes altogether. Our daughter’s, mine and his. It was a visual representation of how I wished for it to be. But our family was down to two. People say time is a great healer, and the pain of grief changes — over time. But if we aren’t active in the process of grieving, some say it may not change so much. “
“If death happens to us all, we should probably talk more openly about grief”. Boucher, D. (2022). ABC News
Whether we discuss death or not, it will come to our loved ones and eventually ourselves. The process will always be difficult since the lost of a loved one is so intense due to attachments and love. The brain does not respond well to such change. The neural networks need to realign to the new situation and past memories can haunt. The adjustment period is only adjustment. It is not a recovery but a realignment to new realities. Those who do their grief work and avoid complications within the process still remain sad but are able to move forward in a healthy way and find joy in the world despite the loss and the pain associated with it.
Thanatophobia is an intense fear of death and the dying process. It can prevent one from discussing the issue of death itself
Hence, discussing death while others are alive is important to understanding the needs of our loved ones and their wishes. It allows one to express emotions now instead of when it is too late. It is recognizing that everyday is not guaranteed and that time goes by fast. It helps one also understand the inner thinking and wishes of the loved one and what the loved one would want for us if he/she passed away. Concretely sharing these moments instead of speculating what ifs after death can alleviate future suffering.
The phobia of death can paralyze an individual into a state of inaction during life. It can prevent a person from expressing love the day of instead of when its too late. It can make one unprepared and not ready for the loss of a loved one. It is hence important to embrace the reality of life which includes death and express fears or anxieties associated with it to others. One will discover it is not a morbid discussion but a a discussion that is very real and an opening to emotional connections that will not be there one day.
Moving Forward
After acknowledging death with loved ones, one will understand spiritual and emotional sides of the loved one that one may not have known before. There may also exist a greater peace if something occurs knowing each other’s feelings and not being left to wonder what one would think or do after they passed away. When death is discussed, one discovers not only religious beliefs, but also how one would deal with particular situations when one is gone. One is hence better able to handle situations or execute legal decisions with more certainty and confidence instead of guesswork.
Trying to introduce this much needed conversation can at first be difficult and maybe even awkward. One does not merely begin the conversation with death itself but it is gradually implemented from such topics of legacy, the future, desires, or religious thoughts. The death of a celebrity can be an excellent introduction to the topic as well.
We only have so much time alive to discuss death with others. It is far better to discuss and understand feelings about this event while alive
While death is naturally feared because of its unknown aspects, death discussion takes away the taboo element of it and helps individuals discuss and better understand implications of it. It allows one to also be better prepared for one’s own death from all financial and spiritual concerns. Many individuals today pre pay for funeral expenses, urns and cemetery plots. This is not pessimistic or morbid planning but real and true planning for eventual reality. Live everyday and stay healthy, but do not allow one’s fear of speaking about death to become a pathology.
Some suffer from a mental pathology of Thanatophobia or the fear of death. This is more than a natural fear of the unknown but a topic that physiologically upsets the person to such an extent that the topic causes extreme anxiety and physical reactions such as higher heart beat or blood pressure. While some may have been exposed to something traumatic others can merely develop this fear. If the fears and reactions persist for longer than six months, then professional help may be needed. Therapists usually utilize cognitive behavioral therapy to help understand the phobia as well as exposure therapy where individuals are gradually under the guidance of a counselor are exposed to concepts of death.
Conclusion
Death discussion can seem taboo or morbid but it is a healthy discussion that recognizes reality and life itself. Pastoral Thanatology is the field of care where individuals in ministry help others prepare for death, as well as, help others deal with the death of a loved one. Chaplains, ministers and others in Human Service fields need a strong training in Pastoral Thanatology to better help individuals deal with death issues.
Please also review AICHPs Grief Counseling Certification as well as its Pastoral Thanatology Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals
AIHCP offers a four year certification in Pastoral Thanatology. Qualified professionals can earn the Pastoral Thanatology Certification and apply the knowledge and training to their own ministries and help others face and cope with the reality of death. The program is online and independent study. After completion of the core courses, one can apply for a four year certification.
Additional Resources
“Thanatophobia (Fear of Death). Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Access here
“Thanatophobia (Fear of Death) Explained”. Fritscher, L. (2023). VeryWellMind. Access here
“We Need to Talk About Death”. Beaumont, A. (2017). Psychology Today. Access here
“Talking About Death With Family: 7 Tips to Start a Dialogue”. Vasquez, A. (2022). Cake. Access here
The two most important events in life is birth and death but the later is rarely spoken about. Individuals fear and dread death and avoid the existential topic as much as possible, but death talk is important. This important discussion helps focus individuals to the reality of life and that days are precious. This discussion helps prepare others express feelings and put financial and inheritance matters to rest. It allows the deceased to have his or her wishes known for funeral and burial. Yet, despite the healthy discussions that the topic of death brings, it is still avoided as if the topic itself will bring about the existential event.
Death is a healthy discussion. Please also review AIHCP’s Pastoral Thanatology Certification and see if it meets your professional goals
Individuals dread and fear death so they hope to avoid, dismiss and ignore it. It can only happen to others not oneself and the mere discussion seems morbid too many. Yet this important discussion is critical and taboos, fears, and myths about speaking about death need to be removed from society. Death talk itself is healthy. Many in Pastoral Thanatology ministry minister to the dying but the topic of death has been avoided and even when dying is occurring, no family or friends know how to broach the subject. This leaves the dying person very much alone. It is healthy to discuss death in the prime of life as well at the final moments.
The article, “If death happens to us all, we should probably talk more openly about grief” by Dinah Boucher looks at why many fear discussing death or even talking about the pain associated with death of a loved one. She states,
“Identity rupture is a common response to loss, Professor Gill Straker and Jacqui Winship explain.’ For sure, it affects our identities. Our sense of ourselves is intricately associated with our sense of ourselves in relation to others. So when we lose a really important person in our lives, our identity has to kind of shift and change to adapt'”.
“If death happens to us all, we should probably talk more openly about grief”. Boucher, D. (2023) ABC News. Access here
Hence, whether it is about one’s own mortality or losing a loved one, the fear and pain of the subject can paralyze one from speaking about it or trying to understand it. This can be unhealthy for the grieving as well as unhealthy for those who fear any discussion about the event of death. Death itself or when someone dies cannot be swept under the rug but needs to be discussed and understood in order to have a healthier understanding of it as well as the ability to heal.
The Importance of Having End-of-Life Conversations
End-of-life conversations are crucial for several reasons. Firstly, they allow us to express our wishes and preferences for our own end-of-life care. By discussing our desires in advance, we ensure that our loved ones are aware of our choices and can honor them when the time comes. Additionally, these conversations provide an opportunity for us to clarify any misunderstandings or misconceptions about our preferences, preventing potential conflicts or disagreements among family members.
Secondly, end-of-life conversations foster emotional and psychological well-being. They can help alleviate anxiety and fear surrounding death by providing a platform to openly express concerns and emotions. By addressing these concerns, we can find comfort and support, allowing us to cope with the inevitable reality of our mortality.
Lastly, having end-of-life conversations enables us to support and comfort our loved ones. By sharing our thoughts and wishes, we provide them with guidance and alleviate the burden of making difficult decisions on our behalf. These conversations also encourage open communication within the family, fostering deeper connections and understanding during a time that can be emotionally challenging.
Common Challenges When Discussing End-of-Life Topics
Despite the importance of end-of-life conversations, there are common challenges that can arise when discussing these topics. One challenge is the discomfort or fear associated with discussing death. Many individuals find it difficult to confront their mortality or to acknowledge the possibility of their loved ones passing away. This discomfort can hinder open and honest communication, making it challenging to have meaningful conversations.
Due to fear of death, or seeing death as a morbid topic, many death talks are postponed till it is too late.
Another challenge is the cultural or societal taboo surrounding death. In many cultures, death is seen as a morbid or forbidden topic, leading to a lack of awareness and understanding about end-of-life matters. This taboo can create barriers to open dialogue, preventing individuals from expressing their wishes or seeking the necessary support and guidance.
Additionally, differing perspectives and beliefs within families can pose challenges. Family members may have varying opinions on end-of-life care, leading to potential conflicts or disagreements. It is important to approach these conversations with empathy and respect, acknowledging and validating differing viewpoints while working towards a shared understanding.
Benefits of Having the ‘Death Talk’
Despite the challenges, having the ‘death talk’ offers numerous benefits. One of the significant advantages is the peace of mind that comes from knowing that our wishes will be respected and honored. By discussing our end-of-life preferences, we can ensure that our values and beliefs are upheld, providing a sense of control and dignity during our final days.
Another benefit is the opportunity to strengthen relationships and deepen connections with our loved ones. End-of-life conversations allow for intimate and vulnerable discussions, fostering trust and understanding among family members. These conversations can create a safe space for emotional expression and support, ultimately strengthening the bond between individuals.
Furthermore, having the ‘death talk’ can alleviate the burden on our loved ones. By openly expressing our wishes, we provide clarity and guidance, reducing the stress and uncertainty that can arise when making difficult decisions on behalf of someone else. This proactive approach ensures that our loved ones are equipped with the necessary information and can focus on providing comfort and support during our final moments.
Key Elements to Consider Before Having End-of-Life Conversations
Before initiating end-of-life conversations, it is essential to consider certain key elements. Firstly, it is important to reflect on our own values, beliefs, and desires regarding end-of-life care. Taking the time to understand our own wishes allows us to articulate them clearly to our loved ones. This self-reflection also helps us identify any fears or concerns that may arise during the ‘death talk,’ enabling us to address them proactively.
Secondly, it is crucial to choose the right time and place for these conversations. Finding a comfortable and private setting can create a safe space for open and honest dialogue. It is important to ensure that all participants feel at ease and are free from distractions, allowing for focused and meaningful discussions.
Thirdly, considering the preferences and needs of our loved ones is vital. Each individual may have their own unique approach to discussing end-of-life matters. Some may prefer direct and straightforward conversations, while others may require more time and gentle guidance. Being sensitive to these preferences can facilitate effective communication and ensure that everyone feels heard and understood.
Strategies for Initiating End-of-Life Conversations
Initiating end-of-life conversations can be challenging, but with the right strategies, it can become more manageable. One effective approach is to start the dialogue gradually. Begin by mentioning the importance of discussing end-of-life matters and expressing your own willingness to have these conversations. By framing it as a shared responsibility, you create an environment that encourages participation and collaboration.
Another strategy is to use open-ended questions to prompt discussion. Instead of asking yes or no questions, ask questions that invite reflection and personal experiences. For example, you can ask, “Have you ever thought about what kind of care you would like to receive towards the end of your life?” This approach encourages deeper conversations and allows for a more comprehensive understanding of each individual’s thoughts and wishes.
Active listening is also crucial when initiating end-of-life conversations. Give your loved ones the space to express their thoughts and emotions without interruption. By truly listening and validating their feelings, you create an atmosphere of trust and respect, facilitating open and honest communication.
Tips for Effective Communication During End-of-Life Discussions
To ensure effective communication during end-of-life discussions, it is important to keep certain tips in mind. Firstly, use clear and concise language. Avoid using medical jargon or ambiguous terms that may cause confusion. Instead, opt for simple and straightforward language that is easily understood by all participants.
Active and empathetic listening is another essential tip. Give your full attention to the speaker, maintaining eye contact and providing non-verbal cues that show you are engaged in the conversation. This active listening fosters trust and encourages individuals to share their thoughts and concerns openly.
Respecting differing opinions and beliefs is also crucial. End-of-life discussions can bring to light varying perspectives within a family. It is important to approach these differences with empathy and understanding, acknowledging that each person’s perspective is valid. By creating a non-judgmental environment, you encourage open dialogue and prevent potential conflicts.
Addressing Fears and Concerns During the ‘Death Talk’
During the ‘death talk,’ fears and concerns may arise for both the initiator and the participants. It is important to address these fears and concerns openly and honestly. By acknowledging and validating these emotions, you create a space for individuals to express their anxieties and seek reassurance.
Talking about one’s death has many benefits. It helps one realize that time is limited on this realm
One common fear is the fear of loss and separation. End-of-life conversations can bring to the surface the reality that our loved ones will not be with us forever. It is important to provide emotional support and reassurance, emphasizing the importance of these conversations in ensuring their wishes are respected and their legacy is honored.
Another fear that may arise is the fear of burdening loved ones with difficult decisions. Assure your loved ones that by discussing end-of-life matters, you are lightening their burden and providing them with guidance. Emphasize that these conversations are an act of love, enabling them to focus on providing comfort and support rather than making challenging decisions.
Resources and Tools for Navigating End-of-Life Conversations
Navigating end-of-life conversations can be made easier with the help of various resources and tools. One valuable resource is advance care planning documents. These documents, such as living wills and healthcare proxies, allow individuals to legally document their preferences for end-of-life care. They provide a clear framework for decision-making and ensure that our wishes are known and respected.
Another helpful tool is the use of conversation starters or discussion guides. These resources provide prompts and questions that can facilitate end-of-life conversations. They offer a structure for the dialogue and can help individuals articulate their thoughts and preferences more effectively.
Additionally, there are numerous organizations and support groups that specialize in end-of-life care and discussions. These organizations offer educational materials, workshops, and counseling services to guide individuals and families through these conversations. Seeking support from these resources can provide additional guidance and reassurance.
Seeking Professional Support for End-of-Life Discussions
In some cases, seeking professional support can be beneficial when navigating end-of-life discussions. Palliative care teams and healthcare professionals trained in end-of-life care can provide guidance and facilitate conversations. They have the expertise to address medical concerns and can offer advice on treatment options and symptom management.
Therapists or counselors specializing in end-of-life issues can also provide emotional support and facilitate communication. They can help address any unresolved conflicts or emotional barriers that may arise during these discussions. Seeking their assistance can promote a more open and constructive dialogue among family members.
Conclusion: Empowering Yourself and Your Loved Ones Through Open Dialogue
Having end-of-life conversations may seem daunting, but they are crucial for our own well-being and the well-being of our loved ones. By openly discussing our wishes, concerns, and fears, we empower ourselves and our loved ones to make informed decisions and provide the necessary support during end-of-life care. Remember to approach these conversations with empathy, respect, and active listening. Utilize the resources and tools available to navigate these discussions, and don’t hesitate to seek professional support when needed. By embracing open dialogue, we can ensure that our end-of-life journey is guided by our own wishes and preferences, providing comfort, peace, and a sense of dignity for ourselves and our loved ones.
Those engaged in Pastoral Thanatology ministry can help others broach the subject of death and help others understand it
Call to Action:
Start the conversation today. Take the first step towards having end-of-life conversations with your loved ones. Begin by reflecting on your own wishes and desires, and then find a comfortable setting to initiate the dialogue. Remember, open and honest communication is key to empowering yourself and your loved ones through this journey.
Please also review AIHCP’s Pastoral Thanatology Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Pastoral Thanatology
Additional Resources
‘Death talk’, ‘loss talk’ and identification in the process of ageing”. Karen West and Jason Glynos. (2014). Cambridge University Press. Access here
“End-of-Life Stages Timeline”. Angela Morrow. (2023). VeryWellHealth. Access here
“The Taboo of Death”. Mark Whitmann, PhD. (2019). Psychology Today. Access here
“What Is Thanatophobia?”. Team VeryWellHealth. (2023). VeryWellHealth. Access here
“Death anxiety: The fear that drives us?”. Maria Cohut, PhD. (2017). MedicalNewsToday. Access here
“Facts to Calm Your Fear of Death and Dying”. Ralph Lewis. MD. (2018). Psychology Today. Access here
In addition to the many painful emotions associated with a terminal illness of a loved one, there are also numerous decisions that need to be made for his or her future. Whether an aging parent, or a young child, and anything in-between, the difficulty in helping the loved one through this final phase can be difficult.
Beyond the emotional pain of dealing with a terminal diagnosis of a loved one also involves numerous medical and legal decisions. Please also review AIHCP’s Pastoral Thanatology Program
One needs to start considering possible therapies and treatments but also quality of remaining life versus quantity of days. Should one remain in a healthcare facility with treatments unproven or accept the inevitability of death and find joy in the final days of life? These decisions are not easy and especially made harder when the person is unable to make choices regarding their own health.
Please also review AIHCP’s Pastoral Thanatology Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Pastoral Thanatology
Affairs untended to after death can lead to a multitude of problems for surviving family. Division, arguments and issues with the state can follow the death of a loved one without a will in regards to possessions and financial funds. In addition, one’s wishes after death may not be properly carried out. In addition to death itself, sometimes individuals can become unable to make decisions due to an injury. A Medical Directive or Living Will can also list one’s affairs in order and lay out important medical decisions that one would make if conscious. These directives protect the individual from others making medical choices for them in regards to medication utilizing extraordinary measures.
Please also review AIHCP’s Pastoral Thanatology Program, as well as its Grief Counseling program. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a certification in Grief Counseling or Pastoral Care.
In the meantime, realize it is not a morbid thought to contemplate death or accidents, but an intelligent one that does not wish to ignore this important part of life. Hence actively partake in what legally must be done with one’s life and health to prevent others from doing it for oneself.
Grief experts have labeled the term Disenfranchised Grief to be a type of grief that is hidden due to fear of ridicule, or a type of loss that is not recognized or belittled by others because to others it is outside the range of societal norms or perceived as insignificant. Types of examples can be the loss of a pet, or particular loss that is extremely painful but personal but not acknowledged by society. Another example would be the pain of an individual who may be a boy friend or girl friend who may have lost someone in High School. While the family receives the bulk of the sympathy, the Highschool boyfriend or girlfriend may find themselves on the outside looking in. Another example of Disenfranchised Grief pertains to suffering from a stigmatizing disease. Still others who lose a loved one within the LGBTQ community may find a stigmatizing view towards their particular loss. All of these losses are ways society attempts to control how one grieves or what is worthy of grief itself. These type of constraints are an issue that Grief Counseling attempts to unbind in counseling sessions. Acknowledging the loss and grief is key and making awareness to others that these losses matter.
Many individuals are expected to react to grief in a quiet and private way. Please also review AIHCP’s Pastoral Thanatology Certification
Society attempts to control grief in other arenas as well. Not just merely in what is worthy of grief, but also in how one should grieve in public. Societal norms and standards of public display in the West seem to find contempt in outward expressions of grief. The discomfort of others witnessing a sobbing mother, or a hysterical child grieving the loss of a parent seem out of control and socially awkward. “What’s Your Grief” takes a closer look at this attempt to censure public displays of grief in it’s article “What is Suffocated Grief”. The term labeled “Suffocated Grief” refers to situations where other standards attempt to moderate grief expression. The article states,
“It wasn’t until years later, sitting in a conference listening to Dr. Tashel Bordere, that I realized it was more than that.. I heard the phrase ‘suffocated grief’ for the first time, a term she coined. She explained that for some, their expression of grief is not simply unacknowledged or stigmatized, as in disenfranchised grief, but it is punished. As she described normal grief reactions being penalized, all those calls to security flashed in my memory.”
“What is Suffocated Grief”. Whats Your Grief. December 21st, 2022. Whats Your Grief
Hence even if a grief loss is seen as within the norms of societal grief reaction and not disenfranchised, it still may fall under societal condemnation in regards to reaction to the loss and how that reaction is perceived in public. This literally takes grief bullying to a whole new level and can cause larger issues for the griever.
Many within societal norms see outward expressions of grief as uncomfortable or not acceptable in public
Grief reactions are not universal. Various cultures and faiths all grieve differently to a particular loss. One standard of expression or mourning cannot be held higher to another. Mourning as a public reaction to loss is the primary target of Suffocated Grief. The prevailing society sets the standards and rules for what is perceived as appropriate. When encountering loss, one’s reaction within a society must meet those societal standards of duration or extremity. When one travels off the path of “proper” reaction then that person is perceived as odd or temporarily insane. The discomfort for others is the primary issue. Individuals sometimes do not know how to respond to a particular emotion of others. Some individuals become uncomfortable or embarrassed when confronted with raw human emotion. Hence, hospitals, facilities and nursing homes will noise regulations or removal of individuals from a particular patient or ICU room when human emotion becomes to raw and visible.
Where is Grief Suffocated?
Suffocated grief unfortunately can be seen in many medical facilities. The ICU can become a very stressful place and the outward mourning of someone who may have passed may cause a considerable upheaval to the point of removal from the facility. Noise and crying in public can be perceived as threatening. Individuals who express themselves in the moment of extreme distress are seen sometimes as insane or out of control. While precautions need to be taken to protect everyone involved, such outward displays of mourning are usually frowned upon in the West.
The same is true within schools. Many minority children who experience more loss than white counterparts are sometimes held to a higher standard when expressing the same loss. They are not permitted to express themselves and when they do, it is seen or perceived as aggressive.
Suffocation of grief is especially seen in the work force. Many positions have little to no paid bereavement leave. Instead individuals are forced to return to work while grieving and expected to maintain composure and professionalism.
It seems, once the final shovel of dirt has been thrown over the grave, everyone should become silent and move on with life without expression.
Better Training
Understanding Suffocated Grief is important because it opens one to the pain of others. It is a sign of empathy to realize others are suffering. Instead of turning away, one needs to open arms. Pastoral Care and better training in grief are definitely needed in the caring professions. Medical professionals and nurses need to become better trained in the reactions of grief. A less sterile response to the needs of family experiencing a loss need to be implemented. How medical professionals discuss death and how they reveal these things can play large roles in helping others experience the bad news in a more quiet way. When these basic decencies are not met, individuals are more likely to be angry or devastated by a loss and display more outward mourning.
These feelings need to be respected within a safety net that prevents physical harm to oneself or damage to property.
Conclusion
Mourning or outward expression of grief within society is a very subjective thing. Cultures differ across the world. One way of reacting to loss should not be sanctioned by another community. Instead, others should be able to express grief and have the time to express grief without fear of ridicule. Healthcare professionals should receive training in helping others when reactions to grief and loss are experienced.
Alan Wolfelt lists a number of Bill of Rights for Mourners that cannot be taken away. One is to express oneself uniquely during loss and another is to experience “grief bursts” without fear of societal condemnation or grief bullies. It is important to grieve and express if one feels the need to do so.
The American Academy of Grief Counseling offers both a Grief Counseling Certification and also a Pastoral Thanatology Certification for qualified professionals in ministry, counseling and the medical fields. The programs are open enrollment and independent study. If interested, please review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling and Pastoral Thanatology Programs.
Additional Resources
“Disenfranchisement and ambiguity in the face of loss: The suffocated grief of sexual assault survivors.” Bordere, T. (2017) Family Relations: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Applied Family Studies, 66(1), 29–45. APA. Access here
“THE MOURNER’S BILL OF RIGHTS”. Alan Wolfelt. December 21st, 2013. TAPS. Access here
“The Ways We Grieve”. Ralph Ryback, PhD. February 27th, 2017. Psychology Today. Access here
“What to Know About Disenfranchised Grief”. WebMD Contributors. October 25th, 2021. WebMD. Access here
It is terrifying to be diagnosed with a terminal illness or to discover a close family or friend discovers such a terrible diagnosis. There are many existential reactions to such a proclamation. Individuals respond differently to such a thought. Finally death becomes a reality and how one deals with this reality determines one’s final chapter of life. This video reviews the many aspects and reactions that accompany a terminal diagnosis.
Please also review AIHCP’s Pastoral Thanatology Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Pastoral Thanatology.
The Angel of Death is coming for everyone ever born into this world. It is inevitable. Death cannot be coaxed or tricked or reasoned. She comes for poor and rich alike, good and evil, great and small, man and woman, elder or child. Whether its peaceful or violent, tragic or calm, death comes. Some fear her, others welcome her. In the end, as certain as birth is also as certain as death.
The Angel of Death can be seen as bad and good, sadness and joy and ending or new beginnings
While many may see this event as the end, it should be instead as seen as part of the process of existence itself. Death is not the end of life but part of life. It as important to live the death process as important as to live the birth process. Many take away from this event, for it is indeed terrible and frightening but beyond this physical and sometimes seemingly dark moment, is a transition and an important part of life itself. Whether religious, spiritual or atheist, death is a cycle plays an equal role to birth. One can see it as balancing life, or giving back to the cosmos, or transitioning to the next life. Whether one ceases to exist, or continues to exist, death gives back to the world that permitted one’s existence. Whether one’s composition is reformed for the cosmos, or one’s immortal soul and life energy transcends another plane, whether theist or atheist, one sees a sacred balance taking place.
This part of life must be honored, it must be respected. The individual and those who love and are loved, need to treat the process and event as a sacred event. Whether tears, tales of the good times, or preparation for the next, it is a time to share all emotion. It is a time not to hide from, or try to avoid, but one to embrace, no matter the sadness or pain. Death should be met with dignity, on its terms. Death should be made to be as comfortable and painless as possible, but death should not be hated or cursed, but accepted as an event as real as birth. Many who do not understand these views, will hasten death before it should come for fear of suffering or depair, while others will cling to life too long through any artificial means. It is natural to fight for life, but it is equally natural to accept reality and find comfort during the process. The imbalance between hanging on too long and giving up too soon through the process takes prudence and a true understanding of the death event and what it means.
While it is more difficult to celebrate death as one celebrates birth because of pain and loss, it can still be celebrated in a different way. It can be celebrated as a completion of life. It can be a celebration of the life lived and depending upon one’s views, a new life experienced. An awakening from the cocoon of temporal life and awakening as a new creature into the next.
Many view death and life from multiple prisms. No one prism is more valid than the others and in many cases, the different views can conflict.
One’s spiritual, emotional and intellectual views on death give a better picture of the event for ourselves. The irony of fear and peace, joy and sadness, and known and unknown are all part of the feelings with death
The first view of death definitely is shaped from a spiritual arena of thought. Those of religious backgrounds have many different ceremonies surrounding death. From the multiple Hindu rituals aiding the soul into the after life to monotheistic views of judgement and entrance into hopefully Heaven. Many of these religious and spiritual views can grant the dying or the families of the dying a sense of hope. While there are multiple tears, hope and faith promise the suffering and the sufferer that they will once again see each other in some form. This can lead one to many conclusions.
It can help individuals see death in a different light. Death is only a physical terminal date but it is not permanent, but only temporary and transitional to another life. In Christianity, through death, Jesus Christ conquered death and promised Resurrection to all who die after Him. This same promise is issues to those within Judaism and Islam. The promise that Jehovah or Allah will awaken the bodies of the dead. Death hence is not final.
Nor in the Eastern faiths. Death brings about a transition where the soul may again re-emerge on this plane of existence, or finally reconnect with the ultimate reality.
Hence within the spiritual prism of the idea of death, death has no final statement, but only a temporary stamp that leads to transition. While those who are not spiritual face a different reality, one more without this type of hope, there can still be a aura of awe. One can find the imprint of the lost loved one in memories that live on through others. The importance of legacy and values handed down and being kept alive are important for these individuals, even more so than those of spiritual beliefs. While there is no chance or thought of reunion, there still exists the faint whisper of the one who once was in others or in values. There is also the oneness of knowing that the circle of life that takes, also gives back, and through the cycle of life and death, all share a material role to play.
The second view that affects one’s view of death is one’s intellectual self. While faith or belief plays a large role in shaping death and her essence, the intellect nonetheless relies upon the senses to understand life itself. This empirical reality is based in science itself. Hence, while one may possess a strong faith, the intellect still fears what it cannot grasp. It still wonders and can doubt. So while one may at one particular point, express relief that one’s loved one has passed on, there still exists a small existential nudge of fear and doubt. There is indeed hope, but the fear still can exist. The intellect can only adhere to what the senses show it. The sight of the corpse, the sounds of the funeral and the cold reality of no more presence of the loved on Earth is a true reality. These intellectual realities cannot be dismissed by faith alone but are real and true experiences that cause intense suffering. The intellect acknowledges the harshness and separation of death.
The final view of death affects one’s emotional self. The intense sadness of separation of the loved one cannot at times be comforted by faith. While the intellect acknowledges the mark of death and the consequences of it, the heart mourns it and experiences it. It sees death as unfair, unjust and a weapon to take one’s love away. The emotional heart fears death, it seeks to avoid it and it wishes it would never happen. These are all natural feelings connected to survival. One tries to exist as long as one can. It is evolutionary to do so. The evolutionary urge to exist in this plane and the anxiety and intense sadness of separation from those one loves, drives one away from the mere thought of death.
So from this, one can can see a balancing act of views about death. None are truly wrong. Spiritually, intellectually and emotionally, all play an equal truth in understanding death. They balance the full story and allow certain parts to mourn, fear and have hope. They are sometimes experiences at different times. When one is experiencing the immediate experience of death, emotional tears and thoughts dominate. Later, when calmed, more spiritual ideals may return. Then in the coldness of grief, sometimes, fears and intellectual thoughts can emerge. They should all be analyzed and allowed to ferment within the soul. Ultimately, they help shape one’s entire and whole view on death. They complement each other. They show hope, but also permit sorrow and even doubt. They allow natural anxieties about death to manifest that need addressed.
Together, they can allow oneself to mourn but also to have a healing trajectory and also a better reverence for death. They help one to experience death as part of life and to entertain all the emotions that are associated with it. The balance of these differing sensing of what death is permit a more complete view of the event, with each one playing an important role in the process. Hence ironically, death is feared but not feared, sad but joyous, and known but unknown.
Helping others properly face death with all the uncertainties is an important part of living itself. Please also review AIHCP’s Pastoral Thanatology Program
Please also review AIHCP’s Pastoral Thanatology Program. The program looks at the needs of the dying as well as the needs of the mourning. It tries to help ministry and healthcare professionals into better understanding the nature of death and helping others transition through this important part of life. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals looking for a certification in Pastoral Thanatology.
Additional Resources
“What Is Thanatology? :A thanatologist studies various aspects of death and dying”. Chris Raymond. June 7th, 2020. Verywellhealth. Access here
“What Happens When You Die”., Cleveland Clinic. Access here
“Facing Death without Religion: Secular sources like science work well for meaning making”. Christel Manning. 2019. Harvard Divinity Bulletin. Access here
“Death in Different Religions”. October 8th, 2019. Endwithcare. Access here
“A systematic review of religious beliefs about major end-of-life issues in the five major world religions”. RAJSHEKHAR CHAKRABORTY, M.D, etc, al. Palliat Support Care. 2017 Oct; 15(5): 609–622. National Library of Medicine. Access here
The dying have many needs that are sometimes neglected. Physicians focus so many times on physical needs. They see sometimes patients as success or failure only. Dying is not failure but a process. Properly dying is part of living.
The dying face many issues when confronted with death and beyond the basic issues of human dignity and physical comfort, they also need emotional, mental and spiritual support. When these things are not met, then the entirety of the human person and his or her needs are neglected. Important parts of one’s life are neglected when fear and death encompass the person and the family. The video below explores the multiple needs of the dying.
Please also review AIHCP’s Pastoral Thanatology Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Pastoral Thanatology
