(INTERVIEW) Mateja Lopuh: Death should not be an isolated event, but part of the circle of life

Dr. Mateja Lopuh, a leading expert in palliative care in Slovenia, has emphasized that death should not be viewed as an isolated event, but rather as part of the natural cycle of life. In an interview with Večer, she discussed how society often struggles to accept mortality and how this can impact both patients and their loved ones during end-of-life care. Lopuh highlighted the emotional and psychological challenges faced by individuals and families when dealing with terminal illness, emphasizing the need for open and honest communication throughout the process. Lopuh explained that the fear of death can lead to unnecessary suffering, particularly when family members avoid discussing the topic. She noted that this avoidance can result in patients feeling isolated and misunderstood, which can exacerbate their physical and emotional pain. According to her, the reluctance to talk about death can prevent individuals from making informed decisions about their care and can hinder the ability of loved ones to provide meaningful support. The discussion also touched upon the difficulties of communicating with children of different ages about death. Lopuh stressed the importance of tailoring conversations to the child's developmental stage, ensuring they understand the concept without causing undue fear or confusion. She advised parents to be honest yet sensitive, using age-appropriate language to help children grasp the reality of loss while maintaining a sense of security. In addition, Lopuh addressed the issue of unrelieved pain, known as total pain, which encompasses not just physical discomfort but also emotional, social, and spiritual distress. She explained that even the strongest medications may fail to alleviate all forms of pain, especially when underlying issues such as unresolved relationships or unmet personal goals contribute to a patient’s suffering. This multidimensional approach to pain management requires a holistic strategy involving medical, psychological, and spiritual interventions. Lopuh further elaborated on how unspoken words, unresolved conflicts, and burdens from life can significantly affect the dying process. These factors can create additional stress for the individual, complicating their ability to find peace in their final days. She called for greater awareness and education around these aspects of end-of-life care, advocating for a cultural shift that normalizes discussions about death and encourages proactive planning. According to Lopuh, the current societal attitude toward death is largely shaped by fear and misunderstanding. She believes that integrating death into the broader narrative of life could reduce anxiety and promote more compassionate care practices. By fostering open dialogue and reducing stigma surrounding mortality, individuals can better prepare for the inevitable, allowing them to focus on living fully until the end. Lopuh's insights reflect a growing movement within healthcare to prioritize quality of life over mere prolongation of existence. Her work underscores the necessity of addressing not only the physical symptoms of illness but also the emotional and existential dimensions of dying. As she continues to advocate for improved end-of-life care, her message resonates with those seeking to transform the experience of death into one marked by dignity, understanding, and connection.