Thanatophobia – the fear of death or dying is a phobia that is rarely talked about. Most people think they are alone in their pain and don’t usually share their fears about the Grim Reaper. In fact, Death Anxiety affects people at some time or another in their lives, but the level of anxiety depends mostly on the individual. Some of us live in complete denial, preferring to think that we have an inexhaustible supply of tomorrows, while others are consumed by daily thoughts of their own mortality. None of us know for sure what will happen to us after death, but when the fear of dying consumes your thoughts to the point that it interferes with your daily life you may suffer from Thanatophobia. Consciousness of one’s own mortality is a natural anxiety for most people, but obsessive fear and anxiety inflates the joy of being alive and even to full-blown terror attack
So what is it about this universal phenomenon that fills us with so much terror? Most people agree that the most obvious answer is “fear of the unknown.” Since we have never actually experienced death, what can we be sure of what will await us on the other side? What if our concept of destruction is completely false and is nothing at all – the ultimate disappointment? Losing one’s self and ceasing to exist can be a terrifying prospect. If this is so, the fear seems to be justified. For some, the “fear of dying alone” causes extreme anxiety. Finally, it is necessary to pass through death alone, but the passage is made easier surrounded by love and a familiar Face. Others fear that their loved ones will be left behind to cope without them. They are worried about how to manage emotionally and financially and also want to live life without them. Whatever the cause, death is inevitable and comes to us all. Whether you are obsessed with the issue or prefer to ignore it altogether, balance is a must if we are to live our lives fully and completely.
So what kind of death do we do?
Some of us find comfort in religion and a strong faith in the next life. Others turn to science and study of Near Death Experiences desperately seeking some evidence that we actually possess. the soul that lives beyond final death. Each, in his own way, seeks an answer that will soothe and calm the fear. Studies show that deeply religious people are less afraid of death than unbelievers. But atheists have nothing to worry about – for obvious reasons. It has also been said that the fear of dying also seems to diminish as we age.
It is our innate nature to resist and avoid death. Our bodies are for survival. To help us come to grips with our own mortality, perhaps we should take a closer look at the fear of dying. The first step is to recognize the fear by looking at them. Are we afraid to suffer? Are we afraid of the unknown? He only fears that we will overcome them against our own.
