DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2019.v07i02.008

Pages: 82-86

Background: Cancer is life intrusive. It not only affects the patient with illness, but also distorts the familial and social structure at large. The present paper aims to assess the level of depression among stage-IV cancer patients undergoing palliative care, and to study the effectiveness of counseling in such scenarios. The emphasis is on the patient than the problem. The strategies employed in the present framework, harness the illness experience as a creative force, creating a pathway towards patient empowerment and wellbeing. Materials and Methods: We study with the application of a specific questionnaire, called- Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) pertaining 36 questions ranging from physical functioning, emotional wellbeing to general health. The scale was applied in two stages- (a) before counseling and (b) after a month of counseling sessions. In few cases their families were also counseled. Results: The counseling model in this paper has helped patients to better negotiate their emotionally charged situations. After a month of counseling, a statistical decrease in their depression level was found. We observed that steadily the same patients developed a more rational acceptance towards their lives. Conclusion: Results indicate that in case of stage-IV cancer patients, counseling therapy positively affects the emotional wellness and quality of life. However, there is no denial of the contribution of pain management and proper palliative care. Our study suggests that counseling reduces a significant level of stress, fatigue and anxiety, thus curbing down the levels of depression and unrest.