Well, we all know that everyone including us, our family members and friends are going to die someday. Some people don't care about this and enjoy their life to the fullest as today is the last day. While other's might become anxious about these issues and develop fear i.e. Thanatophobia.
Before starting you must know that :
Worrying about your future, or the future of a loved one, is normal. While we can live in the moment and enjoy one another, the fear of death or dying can still be concerning.
If the worry turns to panic or feels too extreme to handle on your own, seek help. A doctor or therapist can help you learn ways to cope with these feelings and how to redirect your feelings.
If your worries about death are related to a recent diagnosis or the illness of a friend or family member, talking with someone about what you’re experiencing can be helpful.
Asking for help and learning how to handle these feelings and fears in a healthy way can help you manage your condition and prevent the potential of feeling overwhelmed.
After coming to know about this you might be having many questions like what is Thanatophobia, its symptoms, treatment, etcetera questions.
Now about answering these questions, I'm gonna start with What is Thanatophobia and its symptoms.
Thanatophobia
Thanatophobia is commonly referred to as the fear of death of your own or a loved one's. More specifically, it can be a fear of death or a fear of the dying process.
It’s natural for someone to worry about their own health as they age. It’s also common for someone to worry about their friends and family after they’re gone. However, in very few cases these develop into problematic anxiety and fears.
The American Psychiatric Association doesn’t officially recognize thanatophobia as a disorder. Instead, the anxiety someone may face because of this fear is often attributed to general anxiety.
Symptoms of thanatophobia may not be present all the time. In fact, you may only notice signs and symptoms of this fear when and if you start to think about your death or the death of a loved one.
Its symptoms :
Anxiety Stresspanic attacks
sweating
heart palpitations
nausea
sensitivity to temperature changes
avoidance of friends and family for long periods
persistent worry
anger and sadness
agitation
guilt
Commonly Found in these people
It is common among people around their 20s ( both woman and man )
Woman experience thanatophobia generally twice in their lifetime i.e in their 20s and 50s.
Individuals with more physical health problems experience greater fear and anxiety when considering their future.
It more common in young people than older persons.
Diagnosis
There are no tests for this phobia. But listing your symptoms or signs to any doctor can help them understand better about your situation. The official diagnosis will likely be anxiety. Your doctor, however, will note that your anxiety stems from fear of death. Some people with anxiety experience symptoms longer than 6 months. They may also experience dread or worry about other issues, too.
If your doctor’s unsure of a diagnosis, they may refer you to a mental health provider. This could include:
a therapist
psychologist
psychiatrist
Treatment
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
This type of treatment focuses on creating practical solutions to problems. The goal is to eventually change your pattern of thinking and put your mind at ease when you face talk of death or dying.
Relaxation techniques
Meditation, imagery, and breathing techniques may help reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety when they occur. Over time, these techniques may help you reduce your specific fears in general.
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