Sharon Prasad
Patient Stories of Total Person Care consultations
An elderly patient came to us, troubled by persistent cough and sleepless nights. She had been to several doctors, tried different medications, but nothing seemed to help. During our consultation, we took time to do a complete psycho-social evaluation and discovered the heart of the issue.
A few years ago she had lost her son who was in his late 20s. He had struggled with depression which eventually claimed his life. This loss left her devastated. To avoid painful conversations about her son, she withdrew from connecting with her friends or going for walks with her neighbors in the society. She spent her days consumed by thoughts of her son’s life and death.
This overwhelming grief took a toll on her physical health. Despite various treatments, her symptoms persisted. We understood that her physical ailments were deeply intertwined with her emotional pain. We reassured her that grieving is a natural process and that it was okay to feel the way she did. We provided her with a safe space to express her emotions and listened to her as she shared her story, her memories, and her sorrow.
By acknowledging her grief and allowing her to talk about it, we began to see a change. She slowly started to re-engage with her daily activities and connect with people again. Her cough and sleeplessness began to improve as she worked through her emotions.
This story highlights the importance of total person care. Sometimes, physical symptoms are manifestations of deeper emotional wounds. By addressing the whole person – mind, body, soul and spirit – we can truly begin the healing process. Understanding and compassion can make all the difference.
