Written by:
Arthi T
Life-threatening diseases like cancer often lead to spiritual distress in patients. Spirituality significantly influences patients’ quality of life by offering them peace, hope, meaning, and purpose, aiding them in coping with their illness. In this article, we explore to provide insights into spirituality within the Indian context and offer recommendations for delivering spiritual care to cancer patients in India.
A serious illness can alter how we respond to "life's big questions."
Who am I?
What is life all about?
Do I have a purpose?
Why am I here?
Why is this happening to me?
Why is there suffering?
Most troublesome question - ‘Why me?’
Cancer confronts most of the patients, irrespective of their faith, with the question of why, as one person among many, they have been afflicted with this disease. Many patients have asked, in open protest or in private anguish, “Why did this have to happen to me?” There often is emotional distress to this issue that cannot easily be dismissed.
One reason for this is religious: those who believe in the “do not understand how a loving God could allow cancer to happen to a good person”. There must be some reason for it. It is not uncommon for patients to wonder whether the illness is a punishment for certain wrongs or failings of character. Of course, many religiously oriented patients do not feel that they are being punished, but they do feel that their illness is somehow part of God’s plan for them, and they struggle and pray to discern the higher purpose for which it is intended.
Even those who are not particularly religious can feel a sense of self-blame about their cancer. Many patients feel that if they can fix whatever is wrong in themselves, or adopt the right attitudes and behaviors, then the malignancy will be stopped.
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Symptoms of spiritual distress
Concerns about the meaning of life and death, and one's belief system.
Anger directed towards God or the Ultimate, as personally defined.
Questioning the purpose of suffering.
Expressing inner conflicts regarding beliefs.
Expressing concerns about one's relationship with God or the Ultimate, as personally defined.
Questioning the significance of one's existence.
Altering usual religious or spiritual practices.
Displacing anger onto religious or spiritual support persons, caregivers, and family members.
Increased feelings of anger, crying, hostility, withdrawal, and apathy.
Viewing the illness as a form of punishment.
Benefits of addressing spiritual concerns
Assists in adjusting to your cancer diagnosis and its treatment.
Enhances quality of life.
Offers a sense of strength and belonging.
Highlights opportunities for personal growth.
Provides a positive outlet for hope.
Helps address "unfinished business" and mend fractured relationships.
Facilitates a life review.
Brings a sense of inner peace.
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How to address spiritual concerns
Addressing the spiritual concerns of cancer patients involves a compassionate and sensitive approach. Here are some ways caregivers and healthcare professionals can help:
Active listening
Take the time to listen to patients’ fears, concerns, and spiritual questions without judgment. This helps patients feel heard and supported.
Spiritual assessments
Incorporate spiritual assessments into routine care to identify and address spiritual distress early. This can include asking open-ended questions about their beliefs and what gives their life meaning.
Training for caregivers
Educate and train healthcare providers and caregivers on how to discuss spiritual matters respectfully and empathetically. This training can include understanding different religious and spiritual beliefs and their impact on patients’ coping mechanisms.
Integration of spiritual care
Collaborate with chaplains, spiritual care advisors, or religious leaders who can provide specialized support. Integrating these professionals into the healthcare team ensures that spiritual needs are met alongside medical and emotional care.
Creating a supportive environment
Ensure a supportive environment where patients feel safe to express their spiritual concerns. This can include providing private spaces for prayer or meditation and respecting patients’ spiritual practices.
Encouraging spiritual practices
Support patients in maintaining their spiritual practices, whether through prayer, meditation, reading spiritual texts, or attending religious services. These practices can provide comfort and strength.
Facilitating life review and reflection
Encourage patients to engage in life review and reflection activities, helping them find meaning and closure. This can involve writing letters, creating memory books, or sharing life stories with loved ones.
Facilitating life review and reflection
Encourage patients to engage in life review and reflection activities, helping them find meaning and closure. This can involve writing letters, creating memory books, or sharing life stories with loved ones.
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How can Milaap help?
In addition to providing emotional and spiritual support, financial assistance can significantly ease the burden of cancer treatment. Milaap, a trusted crowdfunding platform, offers a way for patients and their families to raise funds for medical expenses. By connecting with Milaap, you can help ensure that cancer patients receive the comprehensive care they need without the added stress of financial worries. Whether you are a caregiver, healthcare professional, or supporter, consider contributing to campaigns on Milaap to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those battling cancer. Together, we can provide not only medical and spiritual support but also the financial assistance needed for a holistic and dignified journey through cancer treatment. Start your fundraiser today!
Success stories on Milaap
In times of need, support means everything, and with Milaap, you need not look any further. Milaap enables you to set up a fundraiser for any medical emergency within minutes, and you can easily raise funds for treatment expenses.
Do you know someone who could benefit from fundraising? Simply refer them to us and we’ll be happy to lend a hand.
Visit www.milaap.org or call us on +91 9916174848 to get started now.
For more information, write to us at cx@milaap.org.
