In the hum of daily life, amidst career climbs, family commitments, and social rendezvous, there lies a topic we often shirk away from — death. Unpleasant and chilling as it might be the conversation around death is not one we can afford to keep at arm’s length anymore. This two-part series starts by examining groundbreaking AI research conducted by Violet, a leading organisation in end-of-life care and discussing why the conversation around death is woefully insufficient.
If you think talking about death is awkward, Violet's recent report will force you to question why. The groundbreaking AI research, 'Private Thoughts Study,' exposes our societal failings when it comes to dealing with the inevitable. This is part one of a two-part series.
Who Are Violet?
Before diving into the findings, let's talk about Violet. They are an esteemed organisation committed to transforming the culture around end-of-life care. Through research, education, and outreach programmes, Violet pioneers in confronting death, an inevitable but grossly misunderstood and under-supported phase of life.
The Research: How, Who, and Why?
Violet commissioned an extensive study using cutting-edge AI techniques to sift through social media posts, healthcare databases, and online forums. Their aim? To expose just how prevalent death is in our lives and evaluate the emotional, mental, and financial support available to individuals when death is looming or has occurred.
Groundbreaking AI research exposes death as ever-present and chronically under-supported a group of colourful heads in science. The study, conducted by The Evolved Group and Alchemy Research & Insight, uncovered that emerging technologies are a groundbreaking way to get to the heart of taboo problems.
These revelations only comes to light when people dropped their guard about the topic and talked openly with a non-judgemental conversational AI bot called ‘Eve’. Evolved named this extraordinary research series, the ‘Private Thoughts’ study, which included recent data on sex and death.
Data Doesn't Lie: A Statistical Overview
According to Violet's research, a shocking 80% of people find it difficult to discuss death openly. "This data should act as a wakeup call for society," noted one interviewee from the study. What's more, only 20% of people feel adequately supported when grappling with end-of-life issues, with men reporting 15% less support than women in dealing with grief.
80% of people find it difficult to discuss death openly.
A Stark Reality: Death is Ever-Present
The studies have unfolded startling figures. In Australia alone, 53% of people have had a personal brush with their own mortality in the past two years. A staggering 95% have experienced the looming or actual death of someone close. Yet, a vast majority are woefully unprepared for this inevitable part of life.
The Emotional Turmoil: When Numbers Tell a Story
Life comes to a screeching halt when faced with death, be it your own or that of a loved one. Emotional repercussions include a significant toll on mental health, heightened stress, and a hit on financial stability. Surprisingly, only 35% are talking to significant others about death, and a meagre 20% have sought professional help. And if the death is unexpected? The negative impact almost doubles.
The Silent Heroes: Carers Need Care Too
Particularly affected are those unsung heroes who care for others in their dying days. According to the research, 56% said it impacted their personal life and wellbeing, 41% had their mental health deteriorate, and 21% faced financial stress. They too are in need of a support structure that currently doesn't seem adequate or readily accessible.
Young vs Old: The Changing Dynamics of Fear
Age plays a curious role here. More than half of the young adults between 18 and 24 say they struggle with grief and are unable to return to a "normal" life after losing someone close. On the flip side, individuals above the age of 75 find themselves considerably less fearful about their mortality.
The Stigma and Silence: A Cycle of Neglect
Violet's report revealed an alarming trend. One of the people interviewed in the study stated, "We are perpetuating our own suffering by keeping quiet about it." These stigmas are felt differently across genders. The report disclosed that men are less likely to seek emotional support due to societal norms. "As a man, it was like I wasn't allowed to feel the weight of it," shared another interviewee.
Emotional Support: Where Are We Falling Short?
Another striking point from Violet's research is that 65% of people feel unsupported in the workplace when dealing with death. As one of the researchers put it, "Our places of employment have become emotional deserts."
65% of people feel unsupported in the workplace when dealing with death.
Emotional Gender Gap: Men vs Women and Grief
The report suggests that women are more likely to seek out emotional support networks, while men often internalise their feelings. "I lost my spouse, and no one at work even mentioned it. It was as if everyone was walking on eggshells around me," said one male participant in the study. This aligns with Violet's finding that men report feeling 15% less supported than women during times of loss.
Mental Health: The Neglected Support Pillar
A jaw-dropping 78% of people surveyed stated that they had difficulty accessing mental health support during a time of grief. "It's like you're handed a pamphlet and shown the door," lamented another interviewee.
The Elephant in the Room: Lack of Support and Information
While nearly half of the population feels there's sufficient support to deal with the emotional turmoil surrounding death, that leaves over half who disagree. Common concerns raised included not knowing that support was even available or assuming it was too expensive or inaccessible.
What Needs to Be Done?
In light of this, there's an unarguable need for society to:
- Break the Silence: Talk openly about death. It's part of the life cycle and shouldn't be wrapped in taboo.
- Seek and Offer Support: From professionals to friends and family, there's a desperate need for more emotional pillars.
- Accessible and Affordable Guidance: Ensure people know where to turn for help and can afford to do so.
- Workplace Support: Special mention goes out to those who deal with death in their profession. There must be structures in place to support their emotional wellbeing.
A Call to Action
Given these sobering statistics, it's clear that society has a long road ahead in providing adequate emotional and psychological support to those facing death. As we delve into part two of this series, we'll explore actionable steps we can take to change these narratives.
Opening up dialogues about death is not about being morbid; it’s about preparing ourselves emotionally, mentally, and even financially for a universal experience that every one of us will face. In the next part of this series, we'll delve into actionable steps and strategies that can be implemented to give everyone the emotional support they need and deserve when dealing with this ever-present, yet under-supported, part of life.
It's time to face the music and talk about what matters. Death is not the enemy; silence is. Let’s break the silence together. Stay tuned for Part Two.