End of Life
"I'm not frightened of dying. Any time will do. I don't mind. Why should I be frightened of dying? There's no reason for it. You've got to go some time."
from Pink Floyd, "The Great Gig in the Sky", Dark Side of the Moon (1973)
We're all going to die some time. Though it is the most inevitable and commonplace occurrence, we live in a culture that often avoids or hides death, pushing it to the periphery by not talking about it and by relying on institutions like hospitals, aged care residences or funeral homes to keep it out of sight.
Thinking about death, ours or others, can be uncomfortable. Many of us avoid thinking about our death until we are are forced by a life-limiting illness to do so. Sometimes the death of a friend or family member prompts us to think about our own death. Even if you are, like the man in the song above, open and ready to go at any time, when the time does come there is usually some work to be done to prepare.
End-of-life experiences vary widely, and depend on circumstances such as how much time a person has to prepare, the relationships they have, their physical health and their mental and spiritual states. Dying is deeply personal. Some find peace in solitude, while others seek companionship and understanding. Dying can be strange, easy or hard, and yes, dying can be frightening. Dying can feel lonely for some people, especially when they don't have helpful supports. Physical and emotional distance from family or the fear of being misunderstood or forgotten can lead to feelings of isolation. Many people find connection and comfort in the presence of trusted others, whether that’s family, friends or professionals such as an end-of-life counsellor.
Having someone there to offer clear communication and planning as well as emotional support can be helpful. An end-of-life counselling service is about empowering people to make conscious decisions if they are able, honouring their needs, and ensuring they have the space to process their death and their life. No fluff, just preparation for something we all face eventually.
