EOL anxiety and depression

Experiencing certain symptoms can lead to increased anxiety and depression. Nurses and care team members can help by involving families in care, encouraging patients to remember past achievements and enjoyments, and incorporating religion and spirituality for peace of mind. They should also acknowledge fears, use open-ended questions and active listening, encourage conversations about feelings, create a comforting environment, and be present for the patient. The experience of these symptoms can contribute to an increase in anxiety and depression symptoms. Some non-pharmacological interventions that nurses and other members of the care team can use to address symptoms of anxiety and depression include encouraging families to participate in care and assisting the patient to reminisce about past accomplishments and enjoyments in their life. It can also be beneficial to incorporate religion and spirituality to promote peace of mind. Nurses can take time to acknowledge the patient's fears, use open-ended questions with the patient, truly use active listening, encourage conversations about feelings, set a comforting mood involving the dying person as much as possible to promote autonomy and overall just being present.