Health & Wellbeing
We must talk about death in order to process loss One thing the pandemic has made many of us think about is our mortality. Death is never very far from people’s minds anyway. As we all know, it’s an experience we’re all going to have and it’s something we don’t talk about nearly enough. Thanatophobia is commonly known as ‘death anxiety’ and although not defined as a distinct mental health disorder; is often linked to depression or other anxiety disorders. For some, it can become an overwhelming preoccupation or even an obsession. It’s certainly something that is often in the thoughts of my clients; whether it manifests in such scenarios as suicide ideation, or fear of getting sick or old. Understandably, most of us want to die peacefully and without pain – which is why this pandemic has been so frightening; not only is the virus very contagious but we’ve all heard of or seen the terrifying symptoms such as breathlessness which can lead to a very scary and unpleasant death. It’s often said that none of us know when our time is up –
however working in mental health I’ve met many who not only would welcome death, but actively plan (and sometimes succeed) in achieving it. Death can sometimes seem like the ultimate peace – an ending of mental torment, physical pain or both. If we’re honest, at some point in many of our lives, we’ve been low enough to think about being dead, if not to actually wish it on ourselves. It’s always an ‘option’ in the background.
Living is not generally easy for most. Things like incapacity, loneliness, a lack of meaning and purpose, poverty, injustice, inequality, violence, fear or pain can all lead to thoughts of death and dying. Old people often comment that they’re exhausted and tired of living. We also hear of people dying after suffering terribly from illness, and we feel they’ve at last found peace. Death, in whatever form, is a very personal event – sometimes abrupt or at the end of a long emotional journey. It’s something we all have to endure alone; even if we’re surrounded by others at the time. Having worked in hospitals, hospices, with the elderly and in bereavement counselling; I’m a firm believer in death/dying being talked about, discussed and processed – by both those experiencing it and those
witnessing it. Grief and loss can have a huge detrimental effect on our mental health, which if left untreated, can often manifest itself in poor physical health too. Dying should not be something we fear but something we’re prepared for as much as possible; whenever it comes. It doesn’t have to be a taboo or uncomfortable subject; as we can all share our fears, hopes and dreams. Death is not just about sadness and loss, but also about reflecting on the experiences of life. Dying is part of life. It’s far too important to be ignored or not talked about. n David Stanton is a psychologist based in the Blackmore Vale. tatvacenter.com edas-addictionservices.com
WOULD LIKE TO MEET MARTIN 63, meet lady 50-70. Gillingham, Shaftesbury, Sturminster Newton, Wincanton, Sherborne & Yeovil. 01258 472910
Call 111 first, urges Dorset HealthCare Dorset’s network of minor injuries units has re-opened – sparking a plea for people to direct their health worries towards the 111 service. Think NHS 111 first if you need urgent care, says Dorset HealthCare. They say: “NHS 111 is the way you can access the right treatment, in the right place, at the right time and will now be the gateway to the county’s minor injuries units (MIUs), along with a range of other services. “Rather than having to look up different MIU phone
numbers, you can now go to 111.nhs.com online or call 111 – and if you need to go to an MIU, the 111 service will book you in.” With national restrictions now gradually being eased, all of the MIUs run by Dorset HealthCare – including Sherborne, Blandford, Shaftesbury and Wimborne – will revert to their pre-covid opening hours. People are asked not to just turn up, but to call for a telephone assessment first. This will ensure people won’t have unnecessary
waits and will help to avoid crowded waiting rooms. It will also mean some patients can be treated remotely and will not need to make an unnecessary journey. The Dorchester ED will still be available 24/7 as usual for serious and life threatening injuries and conditions, but will not be able to accommodate less serious cases while refurbishment work takes place. Jane Elson, Dorset HealthCare’s service director for integrated community services, said: “We’re
delighted not only to re-open all our MIU services, but also to provide them in a more targeted, efficient way. We had to change things over the past year, and prebooked appointments worked extremely well.” Full details of all Dorset HealthCare’s MIUs, including opening times, are available at dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/pati ents-and-visitors/ourservices-hospitals/physical-h ealth/minor-injuries-unitsmius 57
