Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Evaluating Treatment Options
• Method 2 of 3: Coping with psychological difficulties
• Method 3 of 3: How to get things in order
• Tips

It is very difficult to accept a fatal diagnosis, as well as to die peacefully and with dignity. However, there are a number of decisions you can make to help you feel worthy. It is important to comprehend your emotions and enlist the support of loved ones. This will make it easier for you to come to terms with what you are facing.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Evaluating Treatment Options

1. 1 Understand your diagnosis. If you have been diagnosed with a fatal diagnosis, you will be overwhelmed with emotion. This is fine. Give yourself time to process what is happening. When you feel strong enough, ask your doctor to discuss your diagnosis with you again. Ask many questions about both treatment and prognosis.
   • Ask a family member or close friend to go to the doctor with you. It is often difficult for people to talk about health. Your friend can be your assistant, who will ask questions and record the doctor's answers.
2. 2 Find out what you are entitled to by law. In some countries, terminally ill people have the opportunity to consent to voluntary euthanasia, but in Russia this practice is prohibited. Consider traveling to a country where euthanasia is legal.
   • Discuss this option with your relatives. Many people are interested in euthanasia because it allows them to decide when to die.
3. 3 Think about hospice. If you have a fatal diagnosis, hospice may be a good option for you. Hospice is a place where a person is helped through the last days, not treated. Hospice often provides care that cannot be provided at home. For many people, hospice becomes a comfortable place where it is easier for them to come to terms with death. Hospice staff are ready to help around the clock.
   • You can also hire a caregiver. Find out what options are available in your city. Study as much of a variety of information as possible and decide which care option is right for you.
4. 4 Tell loved ones about your desires. You should talk to your loved ones about what will happen after you die, even if you find it difficult to talk about it. You will need to explain what you want. If you would like to be cared for by a caregiver, say so. As the disease progresses, it may become more difficult for you to talk about your desires. Try to talk to loved ones as soon as possible, even if you are having a hard time coping with your emotions.
   • You will need to make someone your steward. This person will be able to make decisions for you if you become incapacitated.
   • Find a lawyer to help you appoint a steward.
5. 5 Learn to deal with physical limitations. Often, in the event of a fatal diagnosis, a person's health deteriorates sharply. You may quickly lose the ability to do what you are used to. It will be difficult for you to come to terms with the fact that now you will have to resort to the help of other people. Many people find it difficult to maintain self-esteem while doing this.
   • Take your choice of caregiver seriously. If you decide to hire a caregiver, during the interview ask how the person is used to helping. You will need to find a caring person who will not be kind to you.
   • If you decide to entrust the care of you to a friend or relative, talk to the person while you still can. Explain that you want to maintain your self-esteem and that you would like to be treated like an adult and not like a child. Ask the person to study the information about providing care. Your doctor will tell you where to look for this information.
6. 6 Be prepared to lose some of your independence. You may lose your independence. For example, due to illness or drugs, you will not be able to drive.It's not easy because you already have to deal with new emotions.
   • Keep a gratitude journal to keep in mind the good things in your life. Writing down a couple of things you are grateful for each day will make you feel better. For example, you may feel grateful for a hot cup of tea, for a conversation with a loved one, or for the opportunity to admire a beautiful sunset.
   • Join a support group to remind yourself that you are not alone. Talk to people about losing independence and find out what others are doing in the same situation.

Method 2 of 3: Coping with psychological difficulties

1. 1 Feel your grief. A fatal diagnosis causes a lot of emotions. You will probably find it difficult to comprehend the fact that you do not have much time left. Don't judge yourself and give yourself time to process your emotions. Remember that all people feel differently and all people interpret the news differently. This is fine.
   • In the first few days, your emotions can be constantly changing. You will probably feel anger, denial, fear, sadness. Accept your feelings and remember that they are all explicable.
2. 2 Know what to do if you feel anxious. Most likely, you will be very worried about death and what will happen when you are gone. It has been proven that the most effective method of dealing with anxiety is to focus on what you can influence. When the initial shock wears off, start thinking about care options and planning for the future.
   • For example, you can start looking for treatment and care options. Consider several options and choose the one that seems most suitable for you.
3. 3 Find a way to enjoy life. You may have a few days, weeks, months, or years to live. It's hard to think about anything else if you have a fatal diagnosis. However, it is important to try to live the rest of your life with pleasure. Do what you can still do and spend more time with loved ones.
   • If you love being outdoors, try to go out in the sun every day. Ask friends or family to go out with you whenever you feel like it.
   • Perhaps at some points you will feel healthy despite the diagnosis. In this case, do what you always wanted to try to do. If you've always wanted to travel abroad, do so, but first get your doctor's permission.
4. 4 Get the support of loved ones. Fighting a fatal disease is difficult. It is important to surround yourself with the people you love and let them help you. This may not be easy: it is possible that you do not want others to see you sick or have to help you. All these feelings are understandable, however, both you and your loved ones will be better off if you overcome the desire to isolate yourself from the rest.
   • There are support groups for terminally ill people. Ask your doctor to recommend contacts for such groups. You may feel more comfortable when surrounded by people who find themselves in a similar situation.

Method 3 of 3: How to get things in order

1. 1 Make a will. A will can be simple and short, but this document is very important. If you don't have a will yet, make one. You can do this yourself or with the help of a lawyer. Indicate the recipients of your property and funds. If you have children, indicate who will be the guardian.
   • Indicate the artist. This person will oversee the execution of your will.
   • If you have a terminal illness, consider making a life support order. This will allow the person of your choice to make decisions for you when you are incapacitated.
2. 2 Consider a funeral. Planning can help you deal with stress. Some people like to design their own funeral.You can come up with a plan that is as detailed as you want.
   • If you want your farewell to be only religious or only non-religious, please indicate this in the order. You can also choose music.
   • Tell your loved one about your wishes. You can think about a lot on your own, but you need the help of a person who will control everything.
3. 3 Say goodbye. You may be calmer if you say goodbye to all your loved ones in advance. You will most likely want to do this, and it is a very personal process. Remember, there are no rules in this situation. You can die with dignity if you do what you see fit.
   • You can talk to people. If you are afraid that it will be difficult for you to cope with emotions, think about what you want to say in advance. Remember that emotions and tears are normal.
   • Some people prefer to write farewell letters. They can be read before or after you die.

Tips

• Farewell to life is always something personal. Remember that there are no rules of conduct in this situation.
• Talk to your doctor about the right treatment.