Overcome Fear of Death

Thanatophobia, or more commonly known as the fear of death, affects millions of people worldwide. Thanatophobia is the fear of death, dead things, or anything associated with death. You can learn how to overcome this fear by reading this article.

Every person with a fear of death is different, so many of these tips will probably not work for you, although, if you have faith in God, one point may help you overcome your fear.

Steps

 * 1)  Understand that it's a cycle. People are born, people die, more people are born. Don't feel like you're being called out, and that you have to fear it.
 * 2)  Know that people won't forget you. You will continue to be remembered on earth, and your memories will never disappear. Even though people are constantly passing on, the memories they leave behind aren't, and they are staying in the hearts of those they loved. Don't feel like as soon as you die, you'll disappear into oblivion,you will be with God if you are religous.
 * 3) Talk to someone. It's good to talk to someone about it so you should find someone you trust, and tell them about your fear. Explain to them why you think you feel this way, and how long you've felt like this. It is recommended that you see a therapist if the phobia is extreme.
 * 4)  Live life the way you're supposed to. Don't waste your lifetime worrying about death. Instead, fill each day with as much joy as possible, and don't let little things get you down. Go outside, play with friends, or take up a new sport. Just do anything that will take your mind off dying, and put it on living.
 * 5)  Don't worry until you need to. Death is something you shouldn't worry about but perhaps learn to accept as part of life. There is a Bible verse that says that there are enough worrys for today, so we shouldn't get worried about tommorow. Death is not something to worry about even if you have a fatal disease in which the chances of death are high. You can always pray to God about the disease and ask other believers to help you. The average life span is 75 years in most developed countries, and you can still live a lot longer.
 * 6)  Be optimistic. It is shown that optimists are less likely to contract heart disease than pessimists. If you think badly of the future, you are likely to die sooner. So don't worry, and you'll live longer.
 * 7) Realize that there's hope. No one knows what happens when you die. If there really is a soul in your body, it could even be reborn. Hold on to your hopes, and they could actually come true.
 * 8)  Develop Healthy Spirituality You don't need to belong to an organized religion, but do explore spirituality.  There are also new scientific researches on near-death experiences and past lives that show death is not the end.
 * 9) Death does not equal pain. Although life is a great thing, remember that when you are dead you will not be in pain, or suffering. You will be free of your body, at the very least, and whatever pain your body brings you.
 * 10) '''If you are worried about somebody else dying, its okay to worry, but just remember that they are human just like you, and can adapt to changes and overcome situations.
 * 11)  Know that when you die, you will be free at last. You will have freedom, and you will be free of your body you are trapped in. No more pain, no more suffering. If the idea of "the soul" is really true, then you will be reborn, your mind erased from your last life. It's a cycle.

Tips

 * Make your life as rich, enjoyable and fulfilling as possible.
 * Consider talking to a professional.
 * Try thinking that after you die you will go somewhere happy. Many religions believe in this.
 * Try to think of the most happiest places on earth.
 * Remind yourself you are healthy and you have a whole life to live ahead of you.
 * Be completely honest and fully face the fact of your own mortality. It will eat away at you until you do. Life becomes much more valuable when its temporality is realized.

Warnings

 * Fear of death can be a sign of depression.
 * Contact a doctor if the phobia becomes extremely overpowering, and you aren't able to do daily things.

Some Things You Can Do To Help Yourself

 * Develop a persistent belief that you can overcome your fear.
 * Take one day at a time - don't predict or try to imagine what the future will be like. Cut out the "What if..."s.
 * Focus your mind on what you have already done while you lived, and be happy for that, and not on what you will not be able to do after you die. When we die we won't know what we'll miss.
 * Don't be too attached to anything, and don't take life too seriously.
 * Keep reminding yourself that fear of death is sometimes worse than death itself, and who knows, your death may not be as unpleasant as you imagine it to be.
 * Know that your fears will one day surely pass, just as life will also surely pass, as will everything.
 * Remember you're not alone - lots of people undergo what you undergo.
 * If you feel paralyzed or overwhelmed by your fear, seek professional help. There is no shame in that. In fact, early treatment increases your chances of coping with your fear.
 * Many people with the fear of death think about it daily. It means that you have a lot of things you want to do in life. Let the fear work through and ask yourself what is the worst thing that will happen today. Today you are alive so go and live.

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Overcome the Fear of Dentistry
 * How to Overcome a Fear of Flying
 * How to Overcome Your Fear of Roller Coasters

Sources and Citations

 * Health Clock
 * Wikipedia Article