Who fears death, or even more, who fears not existing?

Question

I suffer from panic attacks, mostly when I am alone, is that I fear not existing, mostly because I wish I could know what’s next, or what happens around me, when I am dead. I use different techniques to control my anxiety attacks, but sometimes they work sometimes they don’t. When I am getting the panic attacks I end up thinking, really negative thoughts. Mostly suicidal thoughts, because it always comes to me, if I kill myself now, then I don’t need to be going through this. What could I do? Is there something I could do to stop this?

Answer 1

First of all there are three things going on in your question.

1. the question about fearing death

2. your panic and fear preventing yuo from being happy and productive.

3. you are having Suicidal thoughts

1. At some point, everyone has moments of fear about what happens when we die. IT is natural.

However - if it is something you dwell on, then it is interfering with you day to day life, and you need to get help. Start with your family doctor -- They can help you find a pyschologist or pschiatrist.

Just be open and honest with him. Part of his job is to take care of your mental health as much as your physical health.

2. Fear and anxiety on this level is affecting how you function. Again, you need to see a doctor -- There's a lot they can do to help. I've been there. Trust me.

3. you feel suicidal. I can't stress enough how important it is to talk with your doc about this.

Also, it sounds like you are having a lot of things going on that worry and sadden you, but you fear death enough, you don't want to commit suicide, but still feel trapped by the unhappiness and fear.

This is something that can be helped. And no matter how bad it seems, it can and will get better. I've had the moments on the bathroom floor where you think you want to die.

Just remember that suicide is ultimately very selfish, and hurts LOTS of people - not just yourself.

Also - Once you get help, you will find yourself improving over time. It won't be fast, but it will get better.

Hang in there and bright blessings.

Answer 2

I suffered in the exact same way until quite recently. I had kind of a crisis when I turned 21 and started really thinking hard about death, and when I thought about it it terrified me and I got crippling panic attacks sometimes.

I think at the root of the fear is that death is the one thing we can't really control or understand. It's going to happen and there's nothing we can do about it.

I started thinking about it in terms of nature, and the cycle of things. Birth and death are the two most natural processes, and really, it's a positive thing that we can take part in the life cycle. There may not be anything after death. Personally I don't like the idea of the afterlife, but if you find solace in it you should perhaps speak to others -- people who can provide you with spiritual guidance. If you aren't keen on religion, find an interfaith chaplain or a spiritual guidance counsellor. It is HUGELY helpful to speak to someone else about this.

I can relate entire to what you say, and I have confidence that you can overcome this fear. Death is not bad or negative. It just is. Suicide would truly be you surrendering control, and really, the more control you have over this fear, the better you'll feel.

Answer 3

I think that mostly everyone fears death, and the idea that there may NOT be anything beyond this earth for us... it's natural human curiosity of the unknown. What isn't "normal" is having those fears become physically debilitating. Being afraid of dying shouldn't make you want to kill yourself, that's a contradiction. I think that perhaps you have an anxiety disorder, which can be controlled with medication. The panic attacks are a huge symptom of that. My advice would be to speak to your Family Doctor, and have him refer you to a psychiatrist. There are very many people dealing with the same affliction, you are by no means alone, or looked down upon. You need to do what it takes to give yourself a happy, healthy life.
Good Luck!

Answer 4

Here is my answer, we all know death is inevitable, so when you start fearing something that you can't change read your Bible or start going to a place of worship, right now that is our only hope. The preacher will teach you how to get through this from the word and promises that are in the Bible. You will have Joy instead of fear. I don't want to sound like I'm preaching to you but this is the truth. Man can't help you with this because most of them fear death themselves only your trust and faith in your higher power can help you.

Answer 5

You need to get help to release these fears. Talk to your doctor, if you are thinking and talking about suicide you will probably commit it. You are wasting your time here on earth, I don't know your age but you need to get help and live every day from now on like it is your last. Enjoy life, everyone dies and most people are afraid of it, don't dwell on it. Talk to your minister about what happens if you commit suicide and what beautiful things happen if you believe in God and the life hereafter.Please get help!

Answer 6

First of all, your never alone if you love, trust, and believe upon Jesus Christ.Secondly to be absent from this "flesh body" (dead) is to be present with the Lord. When we die our spiritual bodies return unto the Father Who gave it (placed it in our flesh body upon conception).Pray to God to lead ,guide, and direct you throughout your daily life. And get into his Word,study it with a good Bible teaching ministry. One that teaches, verse by verse, chapter by chapter, and book by book. Try www.shepherds chapel.com (no spaces).They have been the single biggest influence into bringing me into a true understanding of God's word.God has blessed me so much in this last ten years that I can't describe to you how much my life has changed(blessed) for the better.Suicide is murder in God's eyes. You would be ending the life of a person who God put here on Earth for a reason.The secret is to understand what our purpose is here, only God can help you do that.Good luck, and may God touch you in such a way that it blesses your life. That is my prayer for you.Email me if you wish to discuss this further.

Answer 7

Most people fear death. I doubt anybody really believes annihalation. There are people who don't fear death but this comes more from denial than anything. It isn't courage. That's rare. Too, a form of denial. You have to accept it. We are all terminal here.

Answer 8

What would be the difference of being sound asleep or not existing or being dead?I basically dont exist when im sound asleep,dont know anything,feel anything,dont even know im asleep!

Answer 9

Seek medical attention soon.


http://www.webmd.com/content/article/9/1663_51209.htm

Answer 10

It is not as uncommon as you would think. I personally have a fear of dying... and HOW I will die... and of people I love dying...
OK... you have officially FREAKED me OUT!