Emotional-Spiritual Issues
for Individuals and Families Facing Serious Illness
Serious illness is usually accompanied by an array of new emotions and spiritual questions. As we
face the prospect of our own mortality, our priorities can suddenly change. Life's details may fade to
the background, and we may find ourselves looking at its deeper meanings. Old conflicts pale in
importance, and the desire to resolve difficulties in our relationships often comes to the fore. This
aspect of serious illness presents an opportunity to evaluate one's life as people often reflect upon
their accomplishments and even humbly acknowledge their regrets. When facing a serious illness, it is
common to think about what remains undone and focus on addressing those issues one day at a time.
In facing our mortality, whether death is in fact weeks or decades away, we inevitably come up
with questions about life's mysteries: Is there meaning to life? What is the point if we are ultimately
going to die? Do we simply vanish when we die, or is there an afterlife? Is there a Being, Existence,
or Force that is larger than ourselves? Will we be judged for how we have lived? Why have we been given
the conditions we've been given? If we are in pain, why are we suffering? If we know we are dying, what
reason is there for hope?
Many people have faith communities or faith traditions which help them explore their questions;
others may search literature, like-minded friends, philosophers and various spiritual pathways to
find the answers that fill their searching hearts. Whatever path one chooses, individuals commonly
seek out:
Individuals are helped along in these processes in a variety of ways including:
Partners In Care provides emotional and spiritual support and comfort for individuals, their
families and their caregivers who are coping with serious illness. The Spiritual Care Provider
[chaplain] offers a listening presence as individuals explore the hopes and fears of coping with
the challenges ahead.
Serious illness is often a time when questions of a spiritual nature and fears of an unknown path
arise. Because each person's spiritual beliefs, experience and background are unique, the Partners
In Care staff offers a supportive presence that honors an individual's personal spiritual journey.
They provide guidance and support as those who are seriously ill explore difficult spiritual
questions.
The Spiritual Care Provider supports the individual's spiritual outlook and background that gives
meaning to their life. They are able to perform rituals that sustain one's spiritual life and will
connect individuals to specific faith traditions and communities as desired. They are available to
supplement the support of one's religious leader, to provide support when one's religious leader is
not available or if the individual has no religious background.
As individuals navigate through the often disquieting journey of serious illness, Partners In Care
is available to accompany them with respect and care in sustaining and supporting their spiritual
life and aspirations.