Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Gehrig

Do you ever feel like you have a split personality?


One moment you are content with life, and the next minute you are completely discombobulated, and the world's imploding.


The same for the story of one, Dr. Henry Jekyll, nicknamed in some copies of the story as Harry Jekyll, and his alternative personality, Mr. Edward Hyde, is the central character of Robert Louis Stevenson's 1886 novella Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, in the story, he is a good friend of the main protagonist Gabriel John Utterson, Dr. Jekyll is a kind, respected English doctor who has repressed evil urges inside of him, he attempts to hide this; but develops a type of serum that Jekyll believes will effectively compartmentalize his dark side, but he transforms into Edward Hyde, the physical and mental manifestation of his evil personality, but this process happens more regularly until Jekyll cannot control when the transformations (Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde)


I can relate to Mr. Jekyll because I have an alternative personality, Cory Gehrig. Cory suffers from anxiety, depression, anger, confusion, despair, and infinite hope. Cory has been living with ALS for a decade. His alter ego, Seth Poling, is calm, funny, loving, caring, and endearing. Seth has been married for seven years to his beautiful wife, Erika, and they have two sons, Liam and Bayler.


Living with a terminal illness is a devastating experience that takes an immense toll on a person's mind and body. It can be challenging for the individual and their loved ones as they face the reality of the situation and come to terms with the knowledge that their time is limited, which can lead to sadness, anger, fear, and other complex emotions. In this blog, we will explore the unimaginable suffering that a man dying from a terminal illness can face and how you can provide support and comfort during this difficult time.


One of the most significant challenges of a terminal illness is the loss of control. When someone is diagnosed with a terminal illness, they are no longer in control of their own body, health, or future. This loss can be incredibly distressing, causing anger, frustration, and helplessness. The individual may feel they have no say in how they want to live out their remaining days, hopelessness, and despair.


Another major challenge is the physical pain and discomfort of a terminal illness. The individual may experience severe symptoms such as chronic pain, weakness, fatigue, and difficulty breathing, which can impact their quality of life and leave them isolated and alone. They may struggle to find the energy to do even the simplest of tasks, which can be incredibly demoralizing.


In addition to physical pain and discomfort, a person dying from a terminal illness can experience severe emotional distress. They may feel overwhelmed by feelings of fear, anxiety, and sadness. They may worry about leaving their loved ones behind and what will happen to them after they are gone. They may also struggle to come to terms with their mortality and the fact that they have limited time left to live.

The emotional distress of a terminal illness can compound by isolation and loneliness. As the individual's physical health deteriorates, the individual may withdraw from social interactions and spend more time alone. They may feel that they cannot participate in activities that they once enjoyed; this can lead to boredom and emptiness.


Despite these challenges, it is critical to remember there are ways to provide support and comfort to someone dying from a terminal illness. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Listen and offer support: One of the most important things you can do for someone dying from a terminal illness is to listen to them and offer support, which could mean simply being there for them when they need someone to talk to or helping them with practical tasks.
2. Try to encourage others to express their feelings: It is crucial to give the individual the space to express their feelings and emotions, which may involve talking through their fears and anxieties or allowing them to talk about what they are feeling.
3. Provide practical support: Helping with tasks such as shopping, cleaning, or caring for loved ones can be incredibly valuable to someone dying from a terminal illness, which can help to ease their burden and provide them with a sense of security.
4. Try helping them to maintain their independence: While it is critical to offer practical support, it is also crucial to help individuals maintain their independence for as long as possible., which could involve encouraging them to continue with activities they enjoy or encouraging them to find ways to stay involved in their community.
5. Seek support for yourself: Caring for someone dying from a terminal illness can be emotionally and physically draining. It is critical to seek help during this difficult time, which could involve talking to friends and family, seeking support from a counselor or support group, or simply taking time to recharge and take care of your own needs.

 

The suffering experienced by someone dying from a terminal illness is unimaginable. However, with support from loved ones, friends, and healthcare professionals' this impossible journey can be possible; by providing emotional and practical support, being there to listen, and helping the individual to maintain their independence, we can help to ease their burden and provide comfort during their final days. It is also important to remember to take care of ourselves as caregivers, so we can be there for the person who needs us the most. With love, understanding, and compassion, we can make a difference in the life of someone facing this challenging journey.     #EndALS