Anxiety is a thing that I battle with everyday at the hospice. Every time we admit patients after they have been referred to us by other healthcare institutions, they come in fear that they are going to die.
Cancer is still an enigma. In my community for example, not much has been known what causes it and why one has to find themselves suffering from it. It is affecting young and old, rich and the poor. It is not a chooser and will get anyone. It is not like HIV/AIDs which one could protect themselves from by abstaining from sex as well as being faithful to one partner. No, cancer just gets you without your knowing what was the causative agent.
Unfortunately, since there is no cure yet for the malady, most people find themselves suffering from it and the fear kicks in. Worse off is when they have hit the terminal stages where one can never go back and all they can do is brave it until the end.
Once someone is sent to the hospice that they have hit the terminal stage, they come in fear. They are more than anxious knowing that they will surely die and there is no way that they can prevent it. Luckily, we have devised ways to help battle the anxiety.
Cancer Classes
Our manager at the hospice encourages us to speak to the patients about cancer, how it comes and how it affects the body so that the patients know what is eating into them.
Talk to each other does wonders
We encourage our patients to interact freely and have a great time together. This way, they are able to discuss their fears and encourage each other. This way, no one feels alone as they have their own support groups where they can converse with ease.
Spiritual talk
We encourage patients to profess their faith and belief. We entertain all religions and so they are able to find those of the same beliefs so as to talk to them and share their journeys without feeling anxious.