Fears
- Fear of the Unknown
What happens after death? What happens during the dying
process? what will happen during a specific treatment?
Fear of the unknown is a strong and basic fear in all human
beings. Each of us has experienced fear of the unknown, such
as fear of the dark, fear of a test, fear of failure, fear of
death, fear of what lies ahead.
- Fear of loneliness
Will I be lonely? Will I have anyone to talk to?
Will anyone listen to me?
- Fear of Isolation
Will I be left alone? Will my family and friends and
caregivers abandon me? Will anyone pay attention to me when
I need help? Will I be abandoned if I show my anger and
depression?
- Fear of Loss of Control and Increasing Dependence
Will people are for me when I am no longer able to care for
myself? Will they still love me when I become completely
dependent and can't "do my share?" Will people
abandon me if I need help going to the bathroom or need a bedpan?
- Fear of Financial Impoverishment
Will the cost of caring for me use up all my money? Will I
be left with nothing to give my children? Will my illness
impoverish my family?
- Fear of Suffering and Pain
Will pain overwhelm me? Will anybody believe me and help me
with pain? Will I suffer so much I won't be able to stand
it?
- Fear of Mutilation
Will the illness or the treatments make me so ugly people
won't be able to look at me? Will they stop loving me?
Who am I without all the parts of my body?
- Fear of Loss of Identity
What will happen when I can no longer earn a living or care
for my children? Will I lose my value as a person if I can
no longer function as husband/wife? Who am I if I can't
think or move?
- Fear of Sorrow
Will I be sad and so full of sorrow I won't be able to stand
it? Will I be miserable every minute of every day?
- Fear of Regression
Will I become like a child again and not be able to take care
of myself? Will I lose my mind and not be able to think
about anything? Will I recognize anyone?
- Fear of Decomposition or Premature Burial
Will I accidentally be buried before I'm really dead?
Will my body rot away? Will worms eat me alive?
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Anxieties and Unfinished Business of Dying
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