Parents Near End Of Life
Its been suggested that older individuals experience thanatophobia less often than younger people.
However, older people may fear the dying process or failing health. Their children, however, are more likely to fear death. Theyre also more likely to say their parents are afraid of dying because of their own feelings.
Thanatophobia: Overcoming Fear Of Death Anxiety
Everything you need to know about thanatophobia, otherwise known as fear of death.
Many of us have a fear of death and dying, or worry from time to time about how friends and family will cope when were gone.
This can be more intense if we have had a recent health scare, diagnosis or illness in the family. However, with time, these concerns usually fade.
If you have a fear of death or dying that is persistent and longstanding, causes you distress or anxiety, and is so extreme that it interferes with your day-to-day life, you may be suffering from thanatophobia, otherwise known as, fear of death.
Recovery Period/healing Time For Thanatophobia Or Fear Of Death
The doctors can help you learn if thanatophobia or fear of death can manifest in you again after you are treated for it. The clinical treatment that you are undergoing will also tell the recovery period/healing time that you shall need to get fine. Also the stage that you are in may decide the time of the therapies which can extend from months to years.
Also Read:
Read Also: Can Depression Make You Lose Your Appetite
Why Do Kids Have A Fear Of Their Parents Dying
Children who begin to understand the concept of life and death sometimes become overly preoccupied with the fear of their parents dying. There are many reasons why this happens, yet its entirely normal for a child to fear that their parents will one day die.
For very young children, parents are a life force as well as their protectors. When a parent dies, they panic and wonder what will happen to them if the other parent dies. Children worry that no one will be there to take care of them, and they soon begin to feel abandoned. Theyll also start to wonder if theyll die next and when.;;
Professional grief counselors and therapists often attribute these fears to separation anxiety and being a regular part of childhood.
» What do you do after a death?»;Preparing for the future?;
Recommended Reading: How To Relax After A Panic Attack
Signs And Symptoms Of Thanatophobia Or Fear Of Death
The signs and symptoms of thanatophobia or fear of death are like any other kind of phobia. The usual symptoms are:
- The irritating fear of death with is irrelevant but people cannot control and think of dying.
- Fear of afterlife and fear of the unknown which can be connected to events of burial and cremation.
- Fearing that one might die when falling sick or being sick for a long time. The sickness can look like a threat to life even when it is not a deadly disease.
- Stressful situations might lead to the thought of death and this is a symptom of thanatophobia or fear of death.
- Children often get clingy towards elderly people.
- People choose to remain at home to be safe. They start avoiding all kinds of human contact or contact with the outside world.
- Getting delusional and not being able to separate the unreal from the real.
- Physical symptoms of thanatophobia or fear of death are panic attacks, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, shortness of breath.
If the person is is suffering from thanatophobia or fear of death, the common thing you will notice in him or her is that he or she shuts himself or herself from the world. If the person carries on this avoiding behaviour for more than 6 months, the person should be taken to the doctors for help.
Read Also: Celine Dion Health Problems
Is It Normal To Be Afraid Of Death
Within certain limits, yes.;
Fear of death is entirely normal and, quite often, it is tied to a persons religious beliefs. For example, in many religions, the concept of life after death is tied to punishment, so many people fear that they will suffer the consequences of their mistakes.;;
According to one study, 20% of people are afraid or very afraid of dying, making thanatophobia one of the most common fears. To a certain degree, normal fear of death can be a good thing because it makes us more cautious, helps us cherish meaningful experiences, and evaluate the values that guide us.;;
Contemplating your own mortality and wondering what happens when you die is not abnormal, and if the thought of it makes you a bit uncomfortable, you shouldnt be worried. Death is not an easy topic. However, if death is constantly on your mind, and death anxiety is affecting your everyday life, to the point where you experience physical symptoms and feel overwhelmed by it, that could be a sign you need;
Fear Of Death Phobia: How To Help People With A Fear Of Dying
As the old saying goes, the only real certainty in life is that one day you will die, but whilst most of us do not dwell unnecessarily on our impending death, apart from to hope that it is not any time soon, some people develop an irrational phobia about death and spend their days consumed with a fear of dying. So, what is a fear of death phobia and is it curable?
A fear of death phobia is called thanatophobia, and it is more common than you might expect. Thanatophobia is closely related to necrophobia, derived from the Greek word for corpse . As a fear of dying, a person with necrophobia also develops a fear of everything associated with death, including coffins, graveyards, funerals etc.
Read Also: What Is A Phobia Of Spoons Called
Symptoms Of Thanatophobia Or Thantophobia
Phobias should never be taken very lightly. Because, all phobias can to some degree limit a persons daily activities and are in some cases the root cause that make someone experience anxiety and leading up all the way to depression.
The People that are suffering from phobias, are most of the times purposely avoid coming into contact with what it is that triggers them to experience fear or anxiety. For example people that suffer from Thanatophobia or Thantophobia, which is a Specific phobia, try to avoid not only the exact objects or situations that trigger it but sometimes in severe cases the thought of those thing all together.
There have been a lot of cases in which an individual has develop a phobia from death or dying where they become fearful of experiencing anxiety itself because it would make them feel very uncomfortable.
A person doesnt necessarily need to be in a situation exposed to death or dying to experience Thanatophobia or Thantophobia. The brain doesnt have to be in that situation to experience the symptoms of panic. A persons brain is capable of creating a reaction to fearsome situations even when the subject is not actually in that situation.
Thanatophobia Tests Quizzes And Self
People are always looking for new ways to better understand themselves and their mental health symptoms. Unfortunately, though, pursuing sites online that promise thanatophobia tests, quizzes, and self-assessment tools could waste time and contribute to greater confusion about the condition.
As a person with fear, anxiety, stress, and worry about death and dying, it is not your duty to label your experience. That job is best left to the mental health professionals.
Your task is only to observe and communicate your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. From there, the clinician will ask a series of questions to gain more information about your symptoms, their intensity, their frequency, and their duration.
Recommended Reading: Does Celine Dion Have An Eating Disorder
What Causes Thanatophobia
A number of factors can lead to the development of a fear of death or the dying process.
Age: Studies have shown that thanatophobia can peak when an individual reaches their 20s but can fade as they grow older.
Ageing Parents:While research suggests that young people more commonly experience thanatophobia than the elderly, some elderly individuals may fear death if their health begins to fail. Children are also more likely to fear death.
Health Issues: Individuals facing problems with their physical health are likely to experience greater anxiety surrounding death.
Gender: Both men and women can experience thanatophobia, particularly in their 20s.
What Is Fear Of Death Ocd
Fear of death OCD is a type of OCD in which obsessions are focused on the subject of death.
It is not the most typical OCD in the sense that the worries and doubts people who suffer from fear of death OCD have, are very common. The difference between healthy people and people who suffer from fear of death OCD is the level of suffering these thoughts cause.
People who suffer from fear of death OCD think about and reflect on death all day long. It impairs their ability to do their job or to concentrate on their studies. They can think about death for hours. Usually, they investigate the subject a lot, by looking up articles and information on the internet. The fear is so intense that they can suffer panic attacks and that they can start to avoid many different situations which could be related to death.
Is there life after death?
People who suffer from fear of death OCD are afraid of what comes after death. It terrorizes them that they dont know if theyll exist in any form or not. They are also worried about ending up alone instead of with their loved ones. They can ponder whether heaven or hell exists and if they do where they would go. Another important reflection for them is to contemplate whether God exists or not, and if they should change their life both if he exists as well as when he wouldnt exist.
What is the meaning of life?
How will I die?
What will my funeral be like?
What will happen after I die?
Avoidance
You May Like: What Is The Phobia Of Throwing Up
Is The Fear Of Death Normal
Death is a topic that tends to stir up a strong emotional reaction in people, no matter their age or background, so in this way, the fear of death is normal. What is not normal, though, is a level of fear that produces high stress, significant anxiety, distress, and panic.
The situation is similar to someone who sees a snake. Most people experience some level of psychological or physiological fear when they encounter a snake, and this fear is part of the bodys response to maintain safety. This reaction only becomes problematic when a person avoids going outside completely or cannot even see a picture of a snake without an intense reaction.
Because there is a fine line between a healthy fear of something dangerous and a mental health disorder, experts are needed to appropriately access and address the symptoms. Specific fears in children are also normal with as many as 90% of children having at least one. A child could worry about death and dying, but unless it begins to drastically impair their life or functioning, it is an acceptable childhood behavior.2
How To Get Help For Thanatophobia
Often, the first step towards getting help for thanatophobia is to acknowledge that your fear and anxiety surrounding death are too extreme. If you notice your stress and worry are constantly elevated by the subject, you should consult with the nearest reputable health professional to schedule an evaluation as quickly as possible.
Mental health treatment can be located in numerous locations including doctors offices, community mental health centers, school, and private practices. All it takes is a phone call to start the process.
Recommended Reading: What Phobia Is Weather Related
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy For Treating Thanatophobia Or Fear Of Death
One of the most effective therapies is the CBT or Cognitive Behavioural therapy. In this therapy for thanatophobia or fear of death the doctor tries to identify the reason of the fear which is causing the distress in the patient. Several ways are then suggested and made to practise so that the patient can calm down. The basic idea is to replace the fearful image in the mind with a soothing imagery.
What Is A Fear Of Losing A Loved One Called
While its not its own phobia in itself, having the fear of your loved ones death can be considered part of necrophobia, rather than thanatophobia because it concerns other people.
In general, though, necrophobia most often refers to the fear of things that are already dead, like corpses and animal carcasses, as well as objects or places that concern death, such as coffins, caskets, funeral homes, and cemeteries.
On the other hand, thanatophobia describes the fear of dying in an existential sense, such as being unable to process and accept that they will cease to exist, and it mainly involves the individual alone.
How Can I Keep My Mental Health Up When I Have a Dying Family Member?
A family member or other loved one who is going through the dying process can have a strain on your mental health. For one, you may start to fear death yourself watching them die. You may especially fear the dying process if their death is slow and agonizing. During this time, it’s important to keep your mental health up in addition to helping them. Here are some ways you can do so.
What Other Fears Are Linked to the Fear of Dying?
The fear of death or dying is closely linked to most fears. Here are some fears that you could argue stem from the fear of dying.
Also Check: What Is The Phobia For Bees
How Can I Reduce My Risk Of Agoraphobia
There is no proven way to prevent agoraphobia. However, it is easier to manage in its earlier stages. The more you avoid situations, the more fearful you may become. Some people with severe agoraphobia are unable to leave their home at all and are totally dependent on others for help. Agoraphobia can also lead to other health problems if left untreated, including depression, alcohol or drug abuse and other mental health disorders. These are reasons why itâs important to seek mental health help early.
How To Overcome Fear Of Death
When death anxiety becomes a part of your life, you may feel trapped and overwhelmed. Thanatophobia can prevent you from living in the present, from seeking new experience, and from seeing the beautiful things you have today.;
Compared to Eastern culture, Western culture has a more taboo perception of death, which means that many people struggle with death anxiety for a long time before mustering the courage to talk about it. But it doesnt have to be this way. Living with thanatophobia can be emotionally exhausting, so if you have been worrying a lot about death lately, you can take steps to get better.;;
Therapy for death anxiety will help you:;
- 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;;;
Therapy for thanatophobia may also include treatments for a more complex mental health disorder, such as OCD, PTSD, or anxiety, so the exact treatment approach will vary depending on what causes the issue.;;
Treating fear of dying is about acceptance but acceptance doesnt mean that you have to like the idea of death or ignore it. It means acknowledging the concept of mortality, but without letting it take over your life.;
Recommended Reading: Depression And Appetite
How To Get Help For A Child
Having a child with thanatophobia can create even more questions, but luckily, childhood phobias may resolve quickly. Let your child know what you see in them, and that you are invested in boosting their happiness.
Be sure to find a therapist who specializes in the unique needs and concerns of children. Engage in the sessions as much or as little as the therapist requests and get involved in at-home activities.
Common Causes And Triggers Of Thanatophobia Or Thantophobia
There are a large variety of reasons that cause or trigger the fear of death or dying. But the most prominent ones are are:
- Upbringing People who are raised by people that either are afraid, or have transmitted a sense of uncertainty or danger related to death or dying, might experience Thanatophobia or Thantophobia most commonly.
- Past Experience It might be also induced, or suggested from people that might have had bad past experiences with/in death or dying.
- Genetics A persons ancestors that have been fearful of death or dying were probably more likely to survive and pass down these fearful genes to their children and so on.
You May Like: Is Celine Dion Anorexic
Should We Face To Death Or Avoid It
Death and fear of death are difficult issues, especially where healthcare professionals are not sure how to talk about.
As a society, we are so eager to refrain from thinking about the end of life that we are obsessed with seeking other ways of artificially preserving life
There is no clear way to deal with the thought of the death of yourself or of others. So why not live our lives being productive ?
Last Updated on December 12, 2020 by Lucas Berg
Accept That Everyone Must Die
Acceptance is the key to overcome the inevitable fact that youre parents will one day die. As difficult as it may be to accept your parents dying one day, the truth is that they will die as will you and everyone else that you know.;
Death is a natural part of life and completes what we know as the circle of life. What is born one day must die as it is written in so many religious texts and scriptures and scientific and medical journals. Its inevitable and will happen to everyone one day.;
Read Also: When Does Phobia Haunted House Open