Social Distress

Social distress is a change in a person’s social life (roles, relationships, sense of belonging, sexual function, and appearance which causes suffering of mind or body.

Feelings of:

• Being lonely and/or feeling alone
• Not being able to carry out personal roles, such as spouse/partner, parent, or friend.
• Not being able to do your job
• Shame of failure regarding being unable to have sex or lacking interest in sex. This could be due to illness and related issues.
• Fear about financial concerns.
• Fear of being a burden to those providing care
• Not wanting to receive company or visitors. This may include even close friends or relatives. It could be due to the effects of your illness on your appearance.

• Any signs of behaviors listed above.
• Any thoughts about suicide.
• Prior history of social distress.
• No interest in self and life in general.
• Unusual anger or lashing out. The person may not understand the reason for the anger or how to cope.
• Any change that concerns you.

Social distress is common with terminal illnesses.  Not everyone experiences it the same way.

Patients and Family

• Do not feel you are bothering the hospice and palliative care team by asking questions.

Patient

• It is very important to have at least one person you trust to talk with and share your thoughts and feelings.
• Do not be hard on yourself for not feeling very social
• Allow yourself to be angry. Tell others about your anger.
• Be sure to take your medications as prescribed.
• It is okay to want quiet time. Consider using this time to reflect and record memories and future messages for your family.

Family

• Provide a calm, relaxing setting.
• Treat the patient with dignity and respect.
• Be willing to be present. Provide support.
• Be willing to listen and reminisce.
• Enjoy the time together and look for ways to make memories.
• Report any medication side effects or behavior that is out of character.
• Support any desire to stay in touch with friends and family.
• Encourage short periods of time for visitors during the day.
• Try not to let the patient become secluded.