Dissecting the Fear of Becoming a Burden
Brandy Fox, MSHCE, PhD Student, Saint Louis University
Contemporary American society typically values independence and health above virtually every other consideration. In the United States, the great emphasis on autonomy, utility, and lack of communitarian views are major factors in the common fear of being a burden on others at the end of life. Dying itself is seen as a cumbersome and unpleasant task that has no useful purpose. This fear stems partially from ideas about what responsible use of resources (health care, time, emotional) should look like and the inability to incorporate these ideas with the dying process. This can be seen in the heated debates over the idea of “death with dignity,” which all seem to want, yet none can clearly define. Many people think liberal, individual autonomy is a necessary factor for dignity. However, because dying is usually a communal event involving family members, health care workers, friends, and religious relations, it is almost inherently undignified to the American mind. Closer examination and greater appreciation of the different kinds of “goods” associated with dying could help relieve some fears about being a burden at the end of life.
Contemporary American society typically values independence and health above virtually every other consideration. In the United States, the great emphasis on autonomy, utility, and lack of communitarian views are major factors in the common fear of being a burden on others at the end of life. Dying itself is seen as a cumbersome and unpleasant task that has no useful purpose. This fear stems partially from ideas about what responsible use of resources (health care, time, emotional) should look like and the inability to incorporate these ideas with the dying process. This can be seen in the heated debates over the idea of “death with dignity,” which all seem to want, yet none can clearly define. Many people think liberal, individual autonomy is a necessary factor for dignity. However, because dying is usually a communal event involving family members, health care workers, friends, and religious relations, it is almost inherently undignified to the American mind. Closer examination and greater appreciation of the different kinds of “goods” associated with dying could help relieve some fears about being a burden at the end of life.