Suffering is a subjective experience of unpleasant tension resulting from pain, distress, and circumstances in an individual’s life. It manifests when a person perceives a situation as emotionally distressing. The expression of suffering varies among individuals, influenced by factors such as the intensity and duration of the distress, as well as the gravity of the circumstances. Suffering can range from mild physical or psychological discomfort to profound feelings of hopelessness, sometimes accompanied by a loss of the will to live. This elusive and fluid nature of suffering makes it challenging for others to fully comprehend.

The experience of a patient’s suffering is intricately linked to their understanding and interpretation of the illness. Factors such as lifestyle, cultural values, and societal attitudes toward the disease also play a crucial role. To alleviate a patient’s suffering effectively, it is imperative to grasp their experience from their perspective and consider the significance they attribute to their illness. Nursing interventions aimed at alleviating suffering not only contribute to the patient’s sense of ease but also foster health restoration and independence in daily living.

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• Toombs, S. K. (2001). The meaning of illness: Phenomenology for understanding nursing and patients (Nagami, I., Trans.). Japanese Nursing Association Press.