Overcoming Fear of Death: Practical Tips for Conquering Thanatophobia

Switch on the TV or browse through the internet, the frightful tales of death will roar in your ears. The newspapers and radio are echoing the same. No matter where you go, the harrowing cries of the dead will tear through your ears. Each life lost is a story of horror. Because of this, we are witnessing a rise in the cases of thanatophobia – the fear of death. 

The death tolls are rising like vapors from boiling water. For intellectuals it’s statistics. Some keep checking the numbers like cricket scores. While some are debating over the authenticity of the death toll. Even the world experts are saying that the death tolls are likely to be thrice the official numbers!

This goes unsaid that the air is heavy and our eyes teary. For those who have lost their loved ones, the loss is irreparable. Children have lost both their parents. Retired parents have carried the weight of their child’s body. Some families have lost their sole earner and some are completely wiped out by the virus. 

Also Read: Anxiety and OCD in the time of coronavirus

Thanatophobia – Fear of death

Thanatophobia is a form of extreme anxiety triggered by the fear of own death. It is commonly referred to as death anxiety. Thanatophobia is the aftermath of PTSD or illness-related anxiety. Incidents that provoke the thoughts about death or the process of dying.

In situations when death seems inevitable, a person may suffer from extreme anxiety and fear. Like in cases of patients suffering from cancer or other fatal diseases. The patient may experience fear of separation, fear of loss, fear of leaving the loved ones. This fear can be so strong that it can interfere with simple daily life activities. 

It is actually very common in elderlies, but now a days even adults are reporting these emotions. I receive at least one or two calls from patients struggling with the fear of death. People are losing their sleep over the constant fear and anxiety brought down by COVID. 

The elderlies are living under constant dread as the sword hangs by their neck. Even the adults and kids are not spared. With the rapid mutations and repeated waves, no one knows who this lethal virus can grab. 

‘Doctor, I am not able to sleep. This constant fear of dying is tapping in my veins. My heart is beating constantly and I wake up in the middle of the night gasping for breath. My acquaintances have succumbed to corona. Some of my neighbors have died of COVID.’

‘My healthy colleagues with whom I spoke a couple of days ago are suddenly gone. Their family is not in a state to even speak. The scenes from the hospitals are heart-wrenching. I am not able to even close my eyes, thinking I won’t wake up again.

Also Read: How to survive isolation in the time of coronavirus?

Ayurvedic counseling for Thanatophobia

Often, people suffering from thanatophobia tend to have a lack of – self-esteem, religious beliefs,good health, sense of fulfilment, intimate relations or a fighting spirit. Ofcourse, certain other factors like psychological and physical distress  can also trigger the fear.

A detailed psychoanalysis is always better.

I try to console them, reassure them of their safety. We discuss the scenario and talk about the current situation with a more logical approach, leaving the fears and anxieties aside. 

I talk to them about the high recovery rates and how simple safety protocols are saving lives. There are many cases where doctors have successfully saved millions of lives and we talk about that. The aim is to divert the mind from the negativity to the postitive things around.

I prescribe ayurvedic anxiolytics and suggest them yoga and meditation tips.

Also Read: Can Ashwagandha ease your fears

Here are a few proven techniques to help with Thanatophobia – 

Relaxation techniques

Practicing self-care is very important for boosting mental health. Doctors recommend avoiding alcohol and caffeine which may further stress out the system. Getting a good night’s sleep and eating a nutritious diet are the best tips for self-care.

Here are a few techniques that can help – 

• Practicing breathing exercises or Pranayama.
• Re-shifting the focus to something ordinary but mind capturing like counting the numbers backward or counting the tiles in the room.
• Meditation or focusing on positive imagery.
• Spend quality time with your loved ones. 
• Gardening is a relaxing therapy.
• Try smile meditation.
• Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day.

Try Writing Therapy

Writing about your feelings can help in getting these emotions out of your system. Scientific research and studies have proved the efficacy of writing therapy for dealing with mental anxieties. Write down your feelings and tear the paper after pouring your thoughts.

Read more on Writing Therapy

Get a grip

These are really tough times and you need to prioritize your mental health. If you don’t like your job then think about quitting or taking a break. Spend quality time with people whose company you enjoy. Try new things and keep active and get engaged with positive activities. 

If there is something you wanted to do then this is the time. Don’t keep things pending and live under the pressure of a ticking bomb. If your relationship is making you unhappy then take a break from the work. The fear of death is more often the fear of a life not lived.

Indulge in Prayers

Whether you are religious or not, praying can help you with significant benefits. This is scientifically proven. Spirituality in a way gives new meaning to your life. It also lightens the burden off your chest and the faith in a divine power helps in establishing a positive attitude. 

It does not matter which religion you choose to follow but pray with all your heart. Spirituality is a scientifically proven medicine for mental health. And there are a ton of studies on this aspect!

Also Read: 10 Powerful Health Benefits of Prayer

Thanatophobia – Final Take!

Thanatophobia or the fear of death is absolutely rational in these times when the entire planet is gasping for breath and fighting for oxygen cylinders. It is very important to understand that your fears are genuine and logical. You are not going mad. Perhaps a lot of people are fighting with the same fears as you are right at this moment. So, it’s important to focus on your mental health and on your self-care. 

Take good care of your body. Eat nutritious foods and add Ayurvedic immune boosters to your diet. Talk to your doctor for further assistance on your diet. Focus on an eight-hour sleep every night. This is non-negotiable. Do not sacrifice your sleep for anything. Keep a check on your stress and practice de-stressing exercises like breathing, meditation, massage, and aromatherapy. 

Last but not the least, pray for your good health and focus on your wellness!