Visions at Life's End: Normalising and Validating Distressing End-of-Life Experiences - A Case Report.

Abstract

The end-of-life phase in individuals with chronic and life-threatening illnesses such as cancer is a clinically significant and emotionally vulnerable period. During this time, patients may report vivid dreams and visions that typically occur in the hours, days or weeks preceding death, which are deeply subjective. There is a lacuna in the literature about end-of-life dreams and visions (ELDV), as they often go unreported due to fear of stigma. This case describes the experience of a young female with metastatic cancer who encountered disturbing and distressing ELDV. This case highlights the therapeutic value of basic counselling skills in palliative care, particularly validation and normalisation, to alleviate the psychological distress and ensure patient comfort during the final stages of life. As one of the few cases reported from India, this report contributes to existing literature and underscores the need for open dialogue about ELDVs in palliative care.