Feb 7 • 15:19 UTC 🇫🇮 Finland Iltalehti

Finns Don't Know How to Face Death, Says Doctor – This is How a Death Doula Responds

A death doula reflects on her experiences and the cultural attitudes towards death in Finland, highlighting the importance of support for those facing the end of life.

Päivi Lindell, a death doula who experienced a profound personal loss in 2020, shares her insights on how Finns struggle to confront death. Throughout the four days spent with her dying spouse, she prioritized her partner's comfort and safety, addressing concerns about pain management. Lindell's commitment to being present during this challenging time reflects her understanding of the emotional journey that accompanies death, both for the dying and for their loved ones.

In her narrative, Lindell discusses the supportive role of the care staff in the hospice, emphasizing the significance of communication regarding what happens to the body at the moment of death. This exchange of information and empathy is crucial for creating a compassionate environment for both patients and caregivers. Lindell's past experiences, particularly the loss of her grandmother, underscore the need for such support structures to ease the journey towards the end of life.

Teologian Petri Hiltunen contributed to the discussion by addressing the societal attitudes towards death in Finland, suggesting that a lack of understanding and open dialogue about death may contribute to the discomfort felt by many. Lindell’s story and Hiltunen's views invite a reconsideration of how death is perceived in Finnish culture and highlight the importance of fostering more compassionate conversations around mortality.

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