Everyone experiences medical assistance in dying (MAID) differently, and there is no right or wrong way to feel about death. Some emotions may be unfamiliar, uncomfortable, or more intense than expected. Some feelings may come and go quickly, and others may sink in over time. Whatever you’re experiencing, it’s valid.
It’s also common to experience conflicting emotions at the same time. For example, you may feel sadness, anger, fear, relief, acceptance, gratitude, or peace all at once. These emotional contradictions are a normal part of navigating grief and end-of-life decision-making.
Drawing on its experiences with families across Canada, Dying With Dignity Canada has observed a wide range of emotional experiences at the end of life. This page reflects those insights, offering a way to recognize some of the emotional responses that can arise for people who are dying, as well as those close to someone who is dying. It also points to forms of support that might be helpful along the way.
Loss, death, and dying bring many emotions
End-of-life experiences are complex. It’s common to feel a mix of responses – sometimes all at the same time.
Fear of death and dying can be shaped by personal history, culture, or belief systems. At the same time, other life stressors – such as financial pressures, relationship challenges, or health concerns – can make it harder to cope with loss.
Shock, disbelief, and numbness
People have described feeling this in the early stages of a diagnosis, or when first beginning to consider MAID. It can feel challenging to absorb what is happening.
Acceptance, relief, and peacefulness
In a 2026 Environics survey of people with a personal connection to MAID, the most commonly reported emotional experience was acceptance, with many also describing a sense of peace. These feelings can emerge in different ways. They may include a sense of relief that suffering may soon end, or a sense of comfort in knowing that a person’s choices are being respected and supported.
Sadness and grief
Feelings of sadness and grief can arise at many points along the end-of-life journey. This may include anticipatory grief, which is the experience of grieving a loss before it has fully happened. In Dying With Dignity Canada’s survey, sadness was one of the most commonly reported emotional responses among people whose first-degree connection had an experience with MAID.
People who are dying describe feeling grief for the life they are leaving behind, while those close to them may grieve the loss of the person who is dying. It’s okay to experience sadness and grief – even while supporting someone through their end-of-life decisions. For a deeper look at grief, see Grief and MAID.
Fear, anxiety, and restlessness
Uncertainty about what lies ahead can bring fear or anxiety. This may relate to the dying process, the MAID procedure, or the impact of the person’s death on family and friends. For some, it can show up as difficulty sleeping, restlessness, or a sense of unease.
Irritability, anger, and rage
Strong emotions can surface in unexpected ways, both for people who are dying and for their loved ones. Dying people have described feeling frustration, anger, or even rage. These intense feelings may arise in response to the loss of control, physical changes, or the particulars of the situation they are in.
Stress, burnout, and feeling overwhelmed
The practical and emotional demands of end-of-life can feel like a burden to carry. People have described feeling like this when they are managing multiple responsibilities, such as caring for a dying person while also caring for young children or working in a demanding job.
Caregivers and patient advocates in particular may experience burnout as they support someone through this process while managing their own needs at the same time.
For more about how burnout can affect those in a supportive role, see Caregiver Wellbeing.
Stigma and judgement
Some people experience a sense of stigma around MAID. This may come from others’ reactions, cultural or community beliefs, or internal feelings about the decision. Feeling judged or misunderstood can add an extra layer of stress.
In the 2026 Environics survey, the most frequently cited source of stigma around MAID is that it is compared to suicide. The second most common was family members being judged for supporting someone’s choice to receive MAID. The third most common was being judged because there’s a “right” and a “wrong” way to die.
Only about one in five respondents said they don’t believe there is any risk of stigma.
If you’re experiencing feelings of stigma or judgement, it might help to talk with someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, spiritual care provider, or a therapist. You don’t have to navigate this experience alone. Having space to speak openly about your experience can help reduce feelings of isolation.
Desire for comfort and familiarity
People who are dying – as well as those close to them – may find themselves drawn toward what feels known, safe, and meaningful. This might include spending time with close friends or family, returning to familiar places, or engaging in routines and activities that bring a sense of comfort and grounding.
Ways to cope
There is no single way to cope. But the right kind of support for you can make a big difference. You might consider:
- connecting with spiritual or faith-based leaders or groups
- joining a community group or peer support network
- speaking with a social worker, counsellor or therapist
- connecting with MAID-specific groups and peer support
Explore available options in the Support Directory.
When and how to seek support
It may help to reach out for additional support if:
- you are finding it difficult to manage daily activities such as work and school
- your emotions feel overwhelming or persistent
- you have thoughts of harming yourself
If you are struggling, in crisis, or in need of additional support, help is available. Call or text 9-8-8 anytime to connect with a trained responder who can listen and support you.
Questions to consider
- What activities help you during difficult times?
- Who can you turn to for support?
- What is one small thing you could do today to help yourself?
- What has helped you through past experiences of loss?