We all think about death at some point, but if thoughts constantly revolve around this topic, panic fear arises that interferes with life - this is no longer the norm. This condition is called a phobic disorder.
ALENA PARETSKAYA
Pathophysiologist, immunologist, member of the St. Petersburg Society of Pathophysiologists SERGEY PROKIN Psychotherapist at SM-Clinic, Candidate of Psychological Sciences
What happens after death? What if my heart stops? I probably have a fatal disease and will soon die! People with phobic disorder have similar thoughts all the time.
What is fear of death?
“Phobias are an irrational, uncontrollable fear of someone or something, or of certain situations,” says psychotherapist Sergei Prokin.
– It should be emphasized that this is a fear that cannot be explained logically. Thanatophobia is the fear of death, which is based on the uncertainty of what will happen after death. What distinguishes a phobia from the ordinary fear of death and thoughts about it is its irrationality - the fear is not supported by real reasons, it is also accompanied by unpleasant sensations and interferes with normal life. People are afraid of dying in principle or in certain situations (from an accident, a heart attack, a criminal), and therefore they protect themselves from possible contacts and can isolate themselves from society, work, and communication.
Why does the fear of death arise in adults?
It is believed that the fear of death can be formed in childhood, but it will manifest itself in adults under certain circumstances.
Children begin to understand death after 3 years. At first they are faced with the death of people and animals, and when they are a little older they begin to think about the finitude of their own lives. If an incorrect attitude about death is formed in the head, phobias are possible in adulthood. The fear of death can sharply worsen or be initiated in the following situations:
- man-made disasters;
- serious accidents;
- terrorist attacks;
- severe events that occurred in the immediate vicinity (a plane crashed that the person did not have time to catch).
Thanatophobia can also be initiated by other fears and severe shocks:
- fear of the unknown what awaits after death;
- losses of loved ones, especially untimely ones;
- low self-esteem and loneliness;
- superstitiousness or strong religiosity;
- fear of not having time to complete all planned plans;
- strong suggestibility;
- fear of pain and suffering;
- a feeling of the frailty of existence, the uselessness of oneself in life;
- fear of losing control in certain life situations.
Most often, thanatophobia occurs in urban residents, elderly people or men during age-related crises (especially middle age).
Causes
Psychiatrists distinguish two groups of causes of thoughts of suicide: mental disorders and the reaction of a healthy psyche to severe traumatic events or experiences.
Suicidal thoughts can be passive, when a person talks about his unwillingness to live or imagines that he has died, and active, when a person plans and looks for ways to die.
Risk of suicide with suicidal thoughts
Most people with suicidal ideation do not attempt suicide, but suicidal ideation is considered a high risk factor for suicide.
At some point in their lives, many people contemplate death, when it may seem that there is no way to solve their problems and suicide is the only way to end the pain.
A person may experience the following feelings at this moment:
- hopelessness, as if there is no point in living
- filled with negative thoughts
- unbearable pain, the end of which is impossible to imagine
- uselessness, a feeling of not being used by others
- despair, as if there is no other choice
- the feeling that everyone would be better off without you
- romanticization of death and the desire to die “beautifully”
What to do?
It is important to remember that these feelings are temporary and will not always be with you. In this article, I want to talk about some techniques that can help right now and protect you from a rash step:
1.Don't make a decision today
You don't need to act and fulfill your intentions right now. The possibility of suicide will not go away. You can make this decision tomorrow, next week or next month if you want. Try to focus only on getting through today, don't think about what awaits you tomorrow.
Make a crisis plan
It can be compiled with the help of a medical professional, psychologist, or independently. Keep this plan in an accessible place and update it as needed.
Be aware of your triggers
Triggers are things that can make you feel worse. Triggers are different for everyone, and you may find that certain music, photos or movies make you feel worse emotionally. Try to stay away from them.
Avoid drugs and alcohol
Psychoactive substances provide relief only at first. Once their effects wear off, you will inevitably feel worse. Drinking alcohol can increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts. Drugs cause changes in consciousness and increase the chances of committing suicide while taking them.
Try to find a safe place
Go where you feel safe. This could be any place - your apartment or your parents' house, a temple, a museum or a schoolyard.
6. Stay away from things that could harm yourself.
Do not handle razor blades, knives or pills. If you have a lot of medication, you may want to ask someone to hold it for you until you regain control of your feelings.
Talk to other people
You need to talk to someone about your feelings. You can discuss your condition with friends, family or your GP. If you don't want to talk to people you know, you can call an emotional support line or helpline.
Be around other people
You may find it difficult to talk to anyone at the moment. This is fine. Just try not to spend too much time alone. You can go to a shopping center, gym, cafe or park. Being around people can help you stay safe, even if they don't know how you feel.
Make a list of important things
Make a list of all the positive things in your life. It may be hard to think about it now, but give it a try. Think about your strengths and all the good things in your life.
Symptoms of fear of death in adults
Actually, the fear of death is quite normal. It is closely related to the basic instinct - self-preservation. Therefore, dangerous hobbies associated with risk to life are a reason to think about whether everything is okay with this person. But paralyzing horror at the mere thought of death, an attack of panic that interferes with normal life - this is also a pathology. Signs of thanatophobia may be as follows:
- pronounced suspiciousness;
- constant excited state;
- unpleasant, obsessive thoughts about death;
- sensitivity to any situations in life, constant doubts about health;
- attacks of aggression or severe irritability;
- tearfulness for no reason;
- fear of a specific problem - “I will die in my sleep”, “I will have a heart attack”, “I will crash”, etc.;
- attempts by all means to avoid stress, the slightest threat, changes in life that can lead to isolation;
- inadequate reactions to conversations about funerals or death, inadequate reactions to funeral paraphernalia;
- sleep disorders.
Additionally, in combination with mental problems, somatic problems can also appear, which only aggravate the phobic disorder:
- tachycardia, increased blood pressure;
- dizziness, fainting;
- nausea and malaise, digestive disorders;
- frequent urge to empty the bladder;
- sexual disorders;
- appetite disturbances up to anorexia;
- impairment of performance, constant fatigue, tiredness;
- choking, rapid breathing;
- weight loss;
- vague body pain;
- nightmares at night.
An extreme manifestation of thanatophobia can be panic attacks, which can occur anywhere and at the most inopportune time. The patient feels like he is dying, and this only aggravates the problem.
Attention! Don't look away!
If there is a person next to you who is trying to talk to you about death, listen to him. Try to support, show by your own example that there is a positive way out of any difficult situation. Persuade to invite a specialist to your home and receive treatment. Explain that his condition is temporary and has nothing to do with his guilt. Tell him that you can survive anything in life if you do it together. Invite a specialist (psychiatrist), do not leave the person without help. Suicidal ideation is serious. And yet, this is a situation from which there is not only one way out.
Call a specialist by calling: +7(965) 152-76-09
All materials on the site are presented for informational purposes only, approved by certified physician Mikhail Vasiliev, diploma series 064834, in accordance with license No. LO-77-005297 dated September 17, 2012, by a certified specialist in the field of psychiatry, certificate number 0177241425770.
How to get rid of the fear of death for adults
“In thanatophobia,” explains psychotherapist Sergei Prokin, “there are biological, psychological and social prerequisites.
Biological is often a certain predisposition of the nervous system to respond with generalized reactions. Illness, insufficient sleep, intoxication, and congenital characteristics of the nervous system may predispose to this.
Psychological ones are primarily violations in the education system. Education in the style of increased anxiety, often in hyperprotection.
Social is the inability to react correctly (rationally) to various situations. First of all, they require active action and the ability to make quick decisions.
Psychotherapists work with all possible prerequisites at once, so it is important to contact a specialist.
Modern methods of treatment
You can overcome your phobias only by recognizing the existence of a problem and seeking help from specialists - a psychiatrist or psychotherapist.
The basis of treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, other types of psychotherapy, and the use of hypnosis. In the early stages, you can cope on your own under the guidance of a professional; in later stages, you need the constant help of a doctor.
You can also additionally use:
- communication with loved ones, conversations;
- physical activity, staying in the fresh air;
- proper nutrition without psychostimulants;
- rejection of bad habits.
Popular questions and answers
We discussed why the fear of death arises, how to deal with it, and whether folk methods or dietary supplements will help here with psychotherapist Sergei Prokin.
Question: Are there possible complications of this phobia, does it affect the ability to work, does it threaten disability or death?
Answer: Complications, first of all, are the social restrictions that arise as a result of phobias, and these can be significant. There is no such thing as disability. But constant fear and panic attacks can lead a person to uncontrollable actions, problems in communication, he can lose his family, job, friends, and without the help of a specialist, a phobia can literally “poison” life.
Question: Is it possible to recover from the fear of death on your own or with the help of unconventional methods? Answer: There are no proven effective dietary supplements, herbs or traditional methods for treating phobias. Moreover, the practice of such self-medication can only worsen the situation; any drugs, including herbal and dietary supplements, have side effects. They can worsen your health, which will only increase the fear of death.
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Suicidal thoughts are a painful reaction to stressful life situations when a person has ideas, thoughts or intentions to commit suicide. These could be abstract thoughts about ending your life or a feeling that people would be better off without you. Suicidal ideation itself is not a diagnosis, but may accompany certain mental disorders or occur in response to unfavorable life circumstances.
