Psychological Distress

Uneasy feelings of anxiety or depression in response to physical, spiritual, or emotional demands – or a combination of multiple demands – that result in temporary or permanent harm

• Feelings of anxiety, sadness, or an Wanting to be alone
• Feeling “out of control” or overwhelmed much of the time
• Difficulty coping with everyday problems
• Unable to talk about ways to solve problems or talk about fears
• Needing the help of others to make decisions
• Trouble sleeping
• Not taking care of self
• Looking sad, frow Crying easily. Loss of hope or sense of comfort
• Laughing at odd times
• Aches and pa Feeling that your heart is racing
• Thoughts of suicide or hastening death
• Not wanting to follow the advice of the healthcare team

• Any signs of behaviors listed above
• New onset of reckless behav Talking or thinking about suicide
• Firearms in the home. Hoarding or stockpiling medications
• Seeing images or hearing voices not seen or heard by others
• History of psychiatric illness or history of use of medications taken for depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, dementia, or bipolar disorder
• Lack of interest in self or life in general
• If you experience a new problem or if a current problem is getting worse and the present medication does not seem to be working
• Side effects of medications

Psychological distress is common with a terminal disease, especially if physical symptoms are present.  Your healthcare team wants you to be physically comfortable.  There is a direct link between how one feels physically and how one feels psychologically and emotionally.

Patients and Family

• Do not feel that you are bothering your healthcare team by asking questions
• Asking questions means you care

Patient

• You may not feel up to talking with many You may want to have one person to talk to whom you trust
• Try to have a daily routine, including a regular sleep schedule
• Eat a balanced diet and exercise as you are able
• Avoid alcohol and non-prescribed drugs and herbal remedies
• Ask for and accept assistance from your team, including: family, friends, nurses, physicians, nursing assistants, social workers, chaplain

Family

• Provide a calm, relaxing setting
• Be flex The patient may want to talk one day. The next, he/she may need quiet and calm
• Be willing to be with them without having to “do” something
• If needed, help with medications. Report any medication side effects or changes in behavior
• Treat the patient with dignity and respect
• Don’t be afraid to ask for h Do not be hard on yourself with comments like “I should have done this or that” or “I should have known that”
• As much as you can, enjoy this time together and look for ways to make memories