Others are afraid of the dying process.
A person with thanatophobia can fear their own death or they might fear the death of someone they love.
Many, if not most, people are afraid of dying.
Andrew Fox / Getty Images
What Does Thanatophobia Feel Like?
A phobia is a key in of anxiety disorder.
Thanatophobia is a specific phobia.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Phobias are generally not diagnosed until they have been present for more than six months.
Causes
The exactcauses of phobiasare not clear.
The Role of Religion
Religion can play a role in someone’s feelings towards death.
However, this should never be used to replace traditional mental health counseling.
Reasons for Thanatophobia
There are numerous reasons for thanatophobia, some of which commonly include the following.
Fear of the Unknown
Thanatophobia may have roots in fears of the unknown.
It is part of the human condition to want to know and understand the world around us.
What happens after death, however, cannot be unequivocally proven while we are still alive.
Fear of Loss of Control
Like knowledge, control is something for which humans strive.
Yet the act of dying is utterly outside anyone’s control.
Instead, they are afraid of the circumstances that often surround the act of dying.
They may be afraid of crippling pain, debilitating illness, or even the associated loss of dignity.
This bang out of thanatophobia may be identified through careful questioning about the specifics of the fear.
How Do I Stop Thanatophobia?
The course oftreatmentlargely depends on the person’s personal goals.
Are they trying to resolve a religious conflict?
Do they simply want to be able to attend Halloween events without panicking?
The clinician must first determine the person’s needs and expectations before designing a treatment plan.
Generally, however, treating an anxiety disorder involves psychotherapy, medication, or both.
These may range fromcognitive behavioraltopsychoanalytictherapies.
Find out which option is the best for you.
Coping With Thanatophobia
Whether or not to seek treatment for any phobia is a very personal decision.
You may be interested in discussing this phobia with others who share your fear.
Otheranxiety coping tipslike deep breathing and meditation could help give you some relief in the moment.
Summary
The stress and fear one experiences in thanatophobia are very real.
We all have to come to terms with the fact that we cannot live forever.
This article may not cover all the symptoms, treatment, and outcomes of thanatophobia.
Be sure to reach out to a mental health professional if you have any concerns.
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University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.Specific phobias.
Reviewed December 17, 2020.
2021;82(3):467-487. doi:10.1177/0030222818819343
Jong J.Death anxiety and religion.Current Opinion in Psychology.
2014;34(7):580-593. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2014.09.002
American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
American Psychiatric Association; 2013.
National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety disorders.
