The client is admitted to the hospital for a diagnostic workup. The client has vague symptoms of malaise, coughing, chest discomfort, low-grade fever, diffuse rashes, and musculoskeletal aches and pains. A diagnosis of probable lupus erythematosus has been made. The night nurse finds the client crying and saying, 'I would rather die than suffer with this disease for the rest of my life.' Which response by the nurse would be most therapeutic at this time?