Costs of Denial in the Death and Dying Process
Death manifests attitudes of denial or of escape. It is a natural reaction of humans to deny the serious illness, sudden or gradual, and the proximity of death. Death is a part of living and dying is a process which generates an experience that engages the patient, family, health staff and society in general. (Yalom, 2008) Many diseases during its progression reach an incurable stage, with devastating physical, psychological and social impacts on an individual/family. Traditionally little importance has been given to the health care of patients with end-stage diseases, which has led to the emergence of palliative medicine as a specialty dedicated to improving the quality of life these patients (Kastenbaum, 2008).
Dying Process Death and Dying,
Death and dying, while frightening to much of contemporary society, are quite nature -- parts of the cycle of life. Dying should not be feared, nor should it be filled with pain and consternation.