When someone finds out that I’m working with people at end-of-life, as a doula, they either:
run
tell me about their experience with loss
get curious and ask lots of questions, or
mumble something like, "Oy, that must be depressing."
When they ask about the emotional toll this takes on my psyche, I gently tell them that I wouldn't do this work if it were depressing. In fact, I usually say, serving people at the end of life is the exact opposite of depressing. It's life-affirming.
Here’s why.
Deathwork is Rewarding
Getting through the dying process is difficult. Responsibilities abound, and arrangements must be made. A terminal illness also brings with it emotional and psychological issues. And if a client faces this alone, everything seems heavier for them.
A death doula cushions the blows.
For example, I coordinate care and errands. This frees up the client to do other, more enjoyable things with the time they have left. I write eulogies, obituaries, and life stories.
These remind my clients…
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