End-of-Life-Anxiety: How to Identify and Manage Symptoms

Physical health is not the only factor to consider when the end of life is nearing; mental health is also important to pay attention to. 

Anxiety is a common condition, especially during the end of life. The end of life can be highly charged with emotion and can be a time of deep reflection and uncertainty. Anxiety can occur in the person nearing life, as well as their family, friends, and caregivers. 

Anxiety can occur on a spectrum, ranging from mild-discomfort to full-blown panic attacks. Knowing how to recognize symptoms and having some tools to manage them can help you and your loved ones feel more in control. 

Common Symptoms of Anxiety:
- Excessive worry
- Hyper alert or focused
- Irritable, upset or short-tempered
- Fatigue
- Withdrawn and anti-social behavior
- Insomnia or trouble resting
- Trouble concentrating or easily distracted 
- Restlessness 
- Tearful, express feelings of worry
- Uncontrollable crying
- Yelling or screaming 
- Irrational self-soothing behaviors
- Vomiting 
- Hyperventilating 
- Sweating
- Chest pains
- Dilated Pupils 

If you or someone you know are experiencing some or all of these symptoms, be assured there are many steps you can take to reduce them.

1. Start by trying to calm yourself or your loved one down. If it makes sense, try to discuss what the feelings are. Verbalizing emotions can help to make sense of them and get needed support from others. Sometimes, however, distraction is required. In certain instances, obsessing over the same things can lead to more stress. Change the subject! Try to talk about something other than what is causing worry. Sports, pop-culture, food, etc…

2. When stressed, people are more likely to take quick, shallow breaths – known as chest breathing. Deep breathing is a great way to slow the hearth rate, relax the muscles, and circulate oxygen property. 

If possible:
Inhale slowly and deeply through the nose. Relax your shoulders and breathe into the belly, not the chest. This will allow for more even, deeper breathing. 
Exhale slowly through the mouth. Purse your lips and keep your jaw relaxed.
Repeat for several minutes.

3. Mindfulness practices can help in times of high anxiety.
Try this: 
Name five things you can see in the room, four things you can feel, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. 

4. Depending on the intensity and frequency of symptoms, it may be necessary to seek the help of a medical professional. Call the treating doctor to report symptoms and request advice. If it is the hospice patient experiencing the symptoms, tell the hospice agency. The hospice nurse will be able to navigate next steps, which may include a prescription or an office visit. Medication may be advised. 

Anxiety often occurs when someone feels out of control of their situation. Knowing these tips and tricks to managing symptoms can help you or your loved one re-claim a sense of empowerment so the end of life can be a time full of peace, care, and community. 

Madison Gonzalez
Community Involvement and Events Manager
Morning Light, Inc.
4701 N. Keystone Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46205
(317) 218.7554 ext. 102
mgonzalez@morninglightinc.org
www.morninglightinc.org

References: 
https://www.verywellhealth.com/managing-anxiety-1132473
https://www.verywellmind.com/abdominal-breathing-2584115
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/anxiety-disorder-symptoms#Natural-Ways-to-Reduce-Anxiety