Dying to Know Day 2024

As doulas, we understand the profound impact death has on all our lives, whether it's through the loss of loved ones or contemplating our own mortality. In alignment with this understanding, each year we draw our attention and presence to Dying to Know Day.

The aim of the campaign that runs throughout the year and culminates on the 8th of August is to help all Australians feel supported and inspired by their own wishes for their final arrangements, and to challenge the notion that end-of-life planning must be a solitary endeavour. We believe that breaking the stigma and sense of awkwardness surrounding conversations about death, dying, and grief is essential.

Death and dying is certainly a topic many try to avoid. It’s that one thing we’re all guaranteed, but for the most part no one wants to talk about. But here’s the thing: talking about it is actually super important. Why?

When you talk about your end of life wishes, you’re taking control. You’re making sure that when the time comes, your final arrangements reflect what you want. It’s about having your values respected, and that’s pretty powerful. Plus, if you don’t tell people what you want, they’ll have to guess. Make your preferences known now so that your family isn’t left making gut-wrenching decisions without a clue of what you’d have wanted.

Death can feel scary, but talking about it makes it less so. Once you know what to expect, know more, understand more about it and how we feel about it, we can make it a whole lot less frightening. There are a ton of options when it comes to end of life care. By discussing them, you’re getting informed. This means you can make choices that align with your values and ensure a goodbye that is unique to you.

Having the death talk can actually bring you closer to your loved ones. It’s about open communication and honesty. You’ll be surprised how much these deep conversations can foster connection and support. The more we talk about death, the more we normalise it. This leads to a community that’s better equipped to handle it, with more resources, better care, and a whole lot more compassion.

Talking about death and dying isn’t just some morbid obsession—it’s a necessary conversation that empowers us, reduces our fears, strengthens our relationships, and ensures we get the end of life experience we deserve. Let’s break the silence and start the conversation.