If lies are used to hurt, hell, they should sometimes be used to heal. Nice work.

Do not berate yourself for any so called lies. Cause here's the deal: you may think what you told him was a big fat (religious) lie - but in his world those were not lies at all - they were affirmations of his own faith and belief system. You gave him the emotional equivalent of a huge shot of antibiotics. He was feeling abandoned by his God.....and I suspect he does not have a good emotional support system in his life so, yes, you were hearing the "depression" talking. At 64 - most people fully realize that they are entering life's "third act"....and that alone can be a lot for some people to handle. You gave him exactly what he needed - at exactly the time he needed it most. You are a credit to your profession....wish there more just like you!

To say that God has a plan is not necessarily a falsehood. It all depends on what is meant by “God”. It’s like saying that everything in nature happens for reasons and that things will work out for the greater good. Your being there to express concern was of the utmost importance. In times like that human contact means everything.

In contrast to your story, once I came into a campground and saw a guy trying to put up a large tent, so I went to help. In the course of conversation he told me that he had come to have both his legs amputated the next day. I was struck with horror and could hardly talk. He consoled me by saying that everything would work out and that it would be no big deal. “If God wants me to die, I’ll die”, he said.

Damn!

To be honest you did a brilliant job there. Who gives a rats arse about truth or bullshit if you get someone the other side of the dark space he was in.

Now you need the same for yourself. So remember you do a job that many of us here couldn’t imagine and if that torchlight in the darkness gets someone through its for you as well.

Bullshit rules when delivered properly.

Proud of you, keep pushing through because you have a very special talent.

That is a very hard situation. I totally understand. I’m in law enforcement & I struggle with that same scenario most days. I have also been on the other side of having a long term medical problem that was so painful I wanted to die. I really did not want to die, but there were times the pain was so much to bear you feel like your only option is death to make the pain stop.

Pralina ....is it possible to take a different approach that let's you stay more true to yourself? I am not a medical person nor could I be....maybe take an approach about what gives them joy in life ? Another sunrise, family, grandchildren ......i would have a hard time as well saying things i didnt believe.

But your heart was in the right place .

Hang in there.

Don’t be so hard on yourself...you did the right thing in the circumstances. There are times, and this was one of them, that going along with the pretence of belief is the kind and therapeutic thing to do. To tell him that you thought his religious belief was rubbish would not have been appropriate or desirable. I know you to be a really caring nurse, who is very good at the empathy part of your job, being a good actress too is sometimes also a requirement and you also seem to be good at that. You left your patient in a happier state of mind, less likely for his thoughts to be suicidal, I’d say that was a very successful outcome, wouldn’t you? If his illusions are keeping him alive so be it, better to be deluded than dead.

Thanks for venting aloud. You have given an interesting perspective on telling white lies. You leave me wondering why you hate your life. Clearly, you want a different life, but why do you think a different life would make you happy?

From your story, it seems your life is not as repetitive as a factory worker; thus, boring. Your job as a nurse or doctor probably pays well enough that you aren't struggling financially, and the story does not mention $. People can be happy or unhappy whatever they do. Yesterday, I saw a billionaire cry tears over the possibility of paying Warren's wealth tax. Clearly, great wealth does not guarantee happiness. At the other end of the spectrum, Buddhist monks, who beg for food and own almost nothing, are typically hap or content. The billionaire can do almost anything; whereas, a monk has a repetitive life.

I just learned about a medical meta study that correlated food with mental health, especially depression and bipolar.

Smiling, even a forced smile, produces hormones that make you happier.

Exercise typically helps one be happier.

Meditation may help.

Believing in a god is a technique people use to make themselves feel better. Although you don't believe in God does not prevent you from developing a technique that makes you happy, perhaps a form of self-directed humanistic-psychotherapy.

Of course, venting helps.

If you have doubts contact me will message you my number am here for you

You did right it is his belief system and will get him through bravo honey you did right . Our beliefs are not his and his state of mind needed reinforcement that will get him through . Saw this in the army and critically injured soldiers the state of mind can determine outcome. You are a empathetic caring woman and nurse you upheld your oath to do no harm. Do not ever stop being you.

You did both your job and followed your heart. You helped someone through a very tragic and frightening time. Those were the words he needed to hear, and that was all that was important. You should feel good about what you did, and that is all you should feel.