• facing a life-threatening illness?
• anticipating the death of a loved one?
• grieving?

• one-to-one and family support
• support for Yukon communities
• professional support
• library
• training
• volunteer opportunities
• links and resources

Hospice Yukon Society
409 Jarvis Street
Whitehorse, Yukon
Canada Y1A 2H4

Open Monday to Friday
11:30 to 3:00 pm

Phone: (867) 667-7429
Fax: (867) 633-4683

info@hospiceyukon.net

Are you facing a life-threatening illness?

If you are facing a life threatening illness you may be grieving the many losses you face; past, present and future. You may experience a wide range of thoughts, feelings and responses in the struggle to come to terms with this reality. Due to the intensity of these reactions, people often feel frightened and overwhelmed and this is quite normal. It can help to know what to expect and that these reactions are a necessary part of grief.

Social

As you face changes in your roles and responsibilities, this can result in feelings of self-consciousness and low self-esteem. Former activities and interests may no longer be available to you. You may feel indifferent to social contact and withdraw; or you may need company, but find it difficult to ask. People around you may have unrealistic expectations about both your physical capabilities and emotional status.

Physical

Adjusting to the continual changes in daily activities and the loss of your former lifestyle will likely increase your fatigue and sap already low levels of energy. It is important to pace yourself and save your energy for the activities that are most important to you. The loss of independence, both physical and personal, is difficult.

Emotional

You will be experiencing a wide variety of feelings which may occur as acute upsurges of emotion. Anger, sadness, depression, and guilt are common and natural to feel. You may be quite irritable, with low frustration and tolerance levels; current grief may resurrect old feelings, issues, or unresolved conflicts. You may experience anxiety or fear about yourself and others, as well as concern for the future well-being of your family.

Thoughts

The stresses you are experiencing at this time may interfere with how well your mind functions; both concentration and memory can be poor and decision-making becomes difficult. At times you may have a sense of unreality or of going crazy. Also, it is natural to fluctuate between denial and acceptance of the situation. You may be preoccupied with thoughts of how you will die, or thoughts about being a burden to your family.

Spiritual

Attitude toward and perception of the changes that are occurring will affect how well you are able to cope. Hoping for miracles may change to looking for the hope in each day. You may question your beliefs, search for the meaning in life or pursue spiritual peace. Mourning for hopes, dreams and unfulfilled expectations is a natural and important part of the grief process.