Why Am I Afraid Of Death?

Do you experience panic attacks and/or persistent worry when and if you start to think about your death or the death of a loved one?

Do you experience increased anxiety when and if you start to think about your death or the death of a loved one?

Do you experience dizziness when and if you start to think about your death or the death of a loved one?

Do you experience sweating when and if you start to think about your death or the death of a loved one?

Do you experience heart palpitations or irregular heartbeats when and if you start to think about your death or the death of a loved one?

Do you experience nausea when and if you start to think about your death or the death of a loved one?

Do you experience stomach pain when and if you start to think about your death or the death of a loved one?

Do you experience avoidance of friends and family for long periods of time when and if you start to think about your death or the death of a loved one?

Do you experience anger, sadness, and/or agitation when and if you start to think about your death or the death of a loved one?

Do you experience guilt when and if you start to think about your death or the death of a loved one?

Based on your answers, you are very unlikely to have thanatophobia, or fear of death. You may be thinking about death or dying once in a while, or maybe you are worried about the future of a loved one with a severe illness. It’s normal if such thoughts trigger uncomfortable feelings. However, some people experience intense symptoms over a long period of time that can eventually develop into a problematic fear of death.

While you may be showing some signs of being afraid of death, it is unlikely that you have a clinical problem. Thanatophobia is a condition in which fear of death triggers intense symptoms. Feeling worried about your own future, or that of a loved one is normal. But when the worry turns into extreme symptoms that cause impairment, medical help may be required. There are no tests that can help to diagnose this phobia, but by knowing your symptoms a doctor may understand what could be going on.

Unfortunately, you are displaying several symptoms typically seen among individuals who have thanatophobia, an extreme fear of death. Talking with your doctor may be important to improve your quality of life. Your doctor may conclude that you are suffering from thanatophobia, or maybe you are suffering from a broader anxiety condition. A mental health professional can teach you ways to deal with your symptoms and how to redirect your emotions and feelings. Therapies usually include cognitive behavioral therapy, in which you will learn how to change negative thinking patterns. Besides, relaxation techniques may help to feel less anxious and calmer in general.