The death-positive movement is a social and philosophical movement that encourages people to speak openly about death, dying, and grief. The movement seeks to eliminate the silence around death-related topics, decrease anxiety surrounding death, and encourages more diversity in end-of-life care options available to the public.
Tune into our conversation with Nicole Briggs-Gary who trains death doulas with Going with Grace, the heart child of Alua Arthur who is a death doula, attorney, and adjunct professor.
Nicole shares her wisdom and insight after having been with countless people as they die and training hundreds of people who want to support others at the end of life.
Why is the death-positive movement important?
The death positive movement challenges traditional societal norms and taboos surrounding death, encouraging a more compassionate and accepting attitude towards mortality.
By openly discussing death, we can reduce the fear and anxiety associated with it, making it less of a taboo subject. It also empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their end-of-life care, including choices about funeral arrangements, organ donation, and medical treatments.
Having open conversations about death can help people grieve more healthily by normalizing the grieving process and providing support. It’s also helpful because it highlights end-of-life care options, often leading to better quality care for dying individuals and their families.
Overall, the death-positive movement aims to create a more open and honest dialogue about death, reducing fear, promoting informed choices, and fostering a more compassionate society.
The Rise of the Death Doula
The rise of the death doula is a significant trend in Western culture, reflecting a growing desire for more compassionate and personalized end-of-life care. Here’s a breakdown of why this role is becoming increasingly important:
- Death as a Taboo: For many years, death has been a taboo subject in Western culture, often avoided or discussed in hushed tones. This has led to a lack of preparation and support for individuals and families facing end-of-life experiences.
- The Desire for Meaningful Endings: As people become more aware of their mortality and the limitations of traditional healthcare systems, they are seeking more meaningful and personalized ways to approach death.
- The Rise of the Wellness Movement: The wellness movement has extended to end-of-life care, with a focus on holistic well-being, emotional support, and spiritual care.
The Role of the Death Doula
Death doulas provide non-medical support to individuals and families during the end-of-life process. Their services include:
- Emotional Support: Offering compassionate listening, empathy, and emotional support to both the dying individual and their loved ones.
- Practical Assistance: Helping with tasks like paperwork, legal matters, and logistical arrangements.
- Advocacy: Advocating for the patient’s wishes and ensuring their needs are met.
- Spiritual Care: Providing spiritual guidance and support, regardless of religious affiliation.
- Pain Management: Helping individuals manage pain and discomfort through non-medical techniques like massage, aromatherapy, and meditation.
Why Are Death Doulas Important?
As Western culture continues to evolve, the role of the death doula is likely to become even more important. By addressing the emotional, spiritual, and practical needs of individuals and families, death doulas are helping to create a more compassionate and supportive end-of-life experience.
- Personalized Care: Death doulas offer personalized care tailored to the individual’s needs and preferences.
- Emotional Support: They provide emotional support and guidance, helping families navigate the complex emotions of grief and loss.
- Practical Assistance: They alleviate the burden of practical tasks, allowing families to focus on emotional support.
- Advocacy: They ensure that the patient’s wishes are respected and that they receive the care they deserve.
- Dignified Endings: By providing compassionate support, death doulas help individuals and families experience a more dignified and peaceful end-of-life journey.
