Fear doesn’t prevent death, it prevents a full life

Every person deserves to meet the end of their life with dignity, clarity, and peace. Yet for many Australians, this is not the reality.

More than half of people with advanced cancer experience depression, anxiety, or a loss of meaning, and many families witness their loved ones suffer emotionally even when physical symptoms are well managed. This isn't just a statistic, it’s a mirror held up to a widespread, unmet need in our healthcare system.

What is Existential Distress?

Existential distress is a profound sense of suffering that arises when a person confronts the limits of their existence; their mortality, the loss of identity, purpose, autonomy, or connection.

It is not merely fear of death, but the anguish of meaninglessness and isolation that can come at life's end.

This is a natural, rational, and deeply human response. But while natural, it is no less devastating, and without proper care, it can deny a person contentment and meaningfulness in the precious time they have left.

Where Palliative Care Begins and Ends

Palliative care plays an essential role in alleviating physical symptoms and managing pain, offering comfort and dignity to those facing the end of life. Yet alongside physical suffering, many people also experience profound emotional, spiritual, and psychological distress.

While palliative care teams across Australia work with great compassion and dedication, meeting these deeper needs can be challenging. Feelings of fear, regret, or a loss of meaning and connection often emerge near the end of life, and can be difficult to address within existing frameworks due to limited resources, training, or therapeutic tools.

Expanding access to approaches that support emotional and spiritual wellbeing can help complement the exceptional care already being provided, fostering a more holistic experience for individuals and their families.