A feeling of meaninglessness or hopelessness is a natural experience, and facing these feelings may be easier once we acknowledge that these are feelings, not absolute facts. It’s possible to reflect on personal life experiences and the meaning of one’s life, either alone or with someone.
Feeling of meaninglessness in palliative care
Feelings of meaninglessness may arise in different stages of a serious illness, as we’re forced to face the finite nature of life. To find meaning in life, it may be helpful to examine our personal life story and confront the feelings that awaken in us.
As death approaches, the finite nature of life becomes concrete. A person approaching death is forced to let go of everything important to them in life all at once. A healthy mind finds this process of letting go painful, as it’s rooted in all the good things that life has had to offer. A person who is dying also has to let go of all their dreams and plans for the future, which may give rise to feelings of meaninglessness, since having plans is usually a part of mental wellbeing.
In addition, dying means losing control and the ability to make decisions concerning one’s life once and for all. It’s natural for this to cause grief, anxiety, and hopelessness. It’s also common to experience regret.
Human beings have an inherent need to ponder the meaning and purpose of life. As death approaches, these questions often rise to the surface, and seeing that life is coming to an end may make one’s entire life feel meaningless.
It often helps to process these thoughts with another person. Your place of care may offer talk support, and you can always request it yourself.
Other experts who may offer support include psychosocial support units, hospital chaplains, and psychiatry units. Talk support does not require the person to have a mental illness, but may instead help a healthy mind make sense of things that are difficult to process.
In some cases – for example, if the symptoms include severe insomnia or depression – medication may also be helpful.
It’s worth remembering that thoughts and feelings are temporary experiences created by our mind in the moment. However, avoiding negative emotions is not helpful, but may instead make the emotions stronger. The negative emotions that we experience are real and valid, but we don’t always have to believe them or act according to them.
It takes courage to stop and consider one’s personal life story and the meaning of life. However, many people find it very helpful to give their life story some thought.
What things or roles have been important in your life?
What has brought you joy – where have you succeeded?
What has life taught you?
What would you like your loved ones to remember you for?
You may want to think about these things with a loved one, and maybe turn them into a written document or a recording.
Feelings of regret are often best eased with a sense of grace. Can you give yourself grace? We have all made decisions in life that we are later unhappy with, and it’s worth remembering that there was always a reason for making each decision. People always do what they think is best at the time, based on the life experiences, information, and skills currently available to them.
Updated 7.4.2025