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Many people feel anxious when thinking about death or dying. It is normal to worry about losing your family and friends or to be concerned about your own health. But for some people, the fear of death becomes extreme, affects their daily life, and stops them from participating in normal activities. This severe and persistent phobia is known as thanatophobia.
In our article, we will explain the meaning of thanatophobia, list common physical and emotional symptoms of this condition, and offer advice on managing the fear of death. We will also talk about the benefits of getting professional help and various treatment options a licensed mental health provider may offer you.
- What Is Thanatophobia
- Symptoms of Thanatophobia
- Causes of Thanatophobia
- How to Diagnose Thanatophobia
- Tips to Cope With Thanatophobia
- When to Seek Help for Thanatophobia
What Is Thanatophobia?
The American Psychological Association defines thanatophobia as a constant fear of an individual regarding their own death or the death of their loved ones. This phobia may be associated with other mental health conditions—for instance, a person who struggles with illness anxiety disorder may be worried that their poor health will lead to imminent death.
Thanatophobia is not considered to be a mental disorder, but in some cases, it may be linked to a specific phobia—a person may refuse to do a certain activity because of the risk it poses to their life. If the fear of death is affecting your lifestyle and preventing you from doing things you enjoy, you should talk to a therapist.
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Symptoms of Thanatophobia
It is important to remember that the symptoms of thanatophobia may differ from one person to another—while some individuals internalize their feelings, others express their worries when they are in distress. Here is a list of common symptoms of thanatophobia:
● Difficulty breathing and chest pain
● Nausea and dizziness
● Rapid heartbeat and increased sweating
● Anxiety and panic attacks
● Irritability and agitation
● Insomnia and poor sleep
If you have noticed the symptoms listed above after you or someone you know has brought up the topic of death, you may be dealing with thanatophobia.
Causes of Thanatophobia
What triggers the fear of dying? There is no single reason to develop thanatophobia yet some events and characteristics may make a person more prone to this phobia:
● Age. It is believed that young people are more likely to be scared of death compared to older individuals who have learned to accept death as a part of life.
● Health. People with chronic illnesses or those who have struggled with their mental health may be preoccupied with the idea of dying.
● Personality. Your personal outlook on life may play a role; thus, religious people may wonder what happens after death and be terrified of the afterlife.
● Trauma. If you have lost a loved one or survived an accident or assault that has put your life in danger, you may develop thanatophobia.
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How to Diagnose Thanatophobia
There is no official diagnosis of thanatophobia, yet a qualified medical professional will be able to determine that you suffer from this phobia after a therapy session or two. Be frank with your therapist during the initial consultation—let them know you are scared of death and you believe this fear is negatively impacting your life.
Your therapist will listen to your concerns, analyze your medical history, and figure out whether thanatophobia is tied to other phobias or mental health disorders you may have. Instead of focusing on the diagnosis, pay attention to the suggestions of the therapist, who may offer you a few strategies to manage the phobia.
Tips to Cope With Thanatophobia
There are several methods you can try to alleviate the symptoms of thanatophobia and overcome this phobia:
● Practice breathing techniques. The next time you feel a panic attack coming on, visualize a calm place in your mind and take a few deep breaths to relax.
● Focus on the positives. While death is inevitable, it should not consume your thoughts – instead, concentrate on the things that bring you joy.
● Talk to someone you trust. You should not keep your fears to yourself – open up to a friend or a family member and consider booking a session with a therapist.
It may be useful to share your concerns with the therapist and ask them to equip you with the tools you can use on a daily basis to control your emotions.
When to Seek Help for Thanatophobia
Feeling uneasy about death is normal; nevertheless, in some cases, the intervention of a therapist is required. Here are a few signs you should reach out to a mental health provider:
● Your fear is constant. Do thoughts of dying plague you no matter what you do? If the fear is always present in your mind, it is a matter of concern.
● Your behavior has changed. Are you avoiding certain places and activities because they are risky? Sometimes, irrational fear makes a person stay at home instead of spending time with their friends.
● Your phobia affects your life. Are you struggling to go to work or school because of thanatophobia? When a specific phobia gets in the way of your progress, it is crucial to resolve this issue.
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FAQs
What is Thanatophobia?
Thanatophobia is usually defined as the fear of death or the fear of dying. A person who suffers from this phobia may be anxious about their own death as well as the death of their close people.
Is Thanatophobia a Mental Illness?
Thanatophobia is not recognized as a mental disorder. Nonetheless, in some cases, it may be classified as a phobia, especially if it is accompanied by symptoms such as panic attacks and nausea.
What Are the Symptoms of Thanatophobia?
The most common symptoms of thanatophobia are an accelerated heart rate, chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, anxiety, and agitation. The symptoms will typically appear when the person is thinking or talking about death.
What Causes Thanatophobia?
There is no single reason to develop a fear of death. A person may start being afraid of dying based on their age, health condition, personal beliefs, and past traumatic experiences.
How to Treat Thanatophobia?
You can try to manage thanatophobia on your own—meditate, resolve your internal issues, and talk to your friends and family. In addition, it is recommended to book a session with a therapist who will be able to diagnose the phobia and give you a few
