Strategies for coping with a terminal illness

“Terminal illness” can include many different medical conditions for which there is no cure, from advanced cancer to Alzheimer's or other dementias, to advanced lung and heart disease.

If you or a loved one receives a diagnosis of this magnitude, you may experience overwhelming and conflicting feelings: shock, denial, calmness, relief, and uncertainty. It’s important to remember that there are strategies for coping with a terminal illness, and that everyone processes feelings about end-of-life differently.

Below, we’ve provided three strategies to use when coping with a terminal illness. Some may resonate more than others, and note, this is not an exhaustive list. 

Harnessing Hope

While hope may sound counter-intuitive when you or a loved one receives a terminal diagnosis, it is scientifically proven that fostering hope directly improves quality of life. It can help identify a new meaning to life, and has been shown to aid health. Ways to harness hope include nurturing interpersonal relationships, engaging in activities that bring you laughter and joy, or even creating a lasting legacy.

Encouraging Open Dialogue 

Talking about your uncertainty, hopefulness, and other emotions can help immensely. That is why it is important to find a therapist, support group, or spiritual community in your area to connect with.

If a loved one has received a terminal diagnosis, it can be enormously beneficial as the receiver of information to learn how your loved one is feeling and to better support them. Remember to listen intently, and ask questions.

Engaging with Support Resources

It’s important to understand what support resources are available and how to access them. These resources can range from managing end-of-life care to reading books that address this topic in a healthy way to listening to podcasts (one I like is Ologies podcast episode by Alie Ward). Ask your physician, hospice, or palliative care team what resources they recommend.

The process of coping with a terminal illness is a journey that has been navigated by many before. You can lean on their experience and wisdom to get you through this difficult time. Having patience, compassion, and the courage to express yourself will help you and your loved ones identify the best ways to cope with a terminal diagnosis.

— Lesley Hellow