Response to suffering

Suffering among those facing a life-limiting illness is a common phenomenon as terminal illness is an assault on the whole person. Suffering is experienced by the whole person and can be caused by, or manifest itself in, the physical, psychological, social, and/or spiritual/existential domains of an individual’s life. Suffering is unique to each individual and it is important to observe for emotional cues and assess the individual’s cultural background as it will also influence how suffering is expressed. Interventions to help reduce suffering can be categorized as: psycho-educational; meaning-centred; stress reduction; hope-centred; supportive–expressive; and spiritual and other. Non-physical forms of suffering may be intrinsic to the dying process and requires health professionals to be fully present in their encounters with patients; develop a trusting relationship and willingness to listen; and demonstrate that the patient’s concerns have been heard.