We all die. No one lives forever. Everyone's life will end some day. This is reality. Death is an inevitable part of our human life. It is normal to fear death because we don't want to die, we want to live. But for some of us, the fear of death can become so intense that it negatively affects your daily life. The clinical term for this fear of death is: thanatophobia.
The fear of death is entirely normal. Contemplating your own mortality and wondering what happens when you die is normal. Death is not an easy topic. It's uncomfortable. Conversations about death are perceived as taboo. Death is not something we talk about. The more we avoid talking about this difficult topic, the more unsettling it becomes.
Why am I afraid of death?
We are afraid of a long, debilitating illness that causes pain and makes us lose our dignity. We are afraid of leaving loved ones behind. We are afraid of the unknown and the lack of control. We don't know when or how we will die.
The fear of death often occurs when someone close to us dies because the loss reminds us of our own mortality. You can develop a fear of death after having or witnessing a near-death experience, like being in an accident. But fear of death can also occur without any reason. In our own thoughts, we can begin to question and ponder about life, our existence, purpose, meaning, significance, and end up with the fear of death.
How to overcome the fear of death
When the fear of death becomes a part of your daily life, you feel trapped and overwhelmed. The fear of death can prevent you from living in the present, from seeking new experience, and from seeing the beautiful things you have today.
Accept that death is a natural process.
Be grateful for your experiences and live in the present.
Focus on making the most out of your life.
Make plans for your passing.
Overcoming the fear of dying is about acceptance. We need to acknowledge the concept of mortality, but not let it take over your life.