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Terrified of death

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Posted 4/10/2010 1:41 PM (GMT 0)
I don't know if this is a common problem with anyone else but I am so afraid of death that I have major panic attacks.  I lie in bed and feel like I am going to stop breathing or my heart is going to stop beating.  I sometimes feel like my throat is going to close up.  My mom was always afraid to die and used to tell me things like she didn't know if there is a God or a heaven.  Unfortunately her talking about it so much has made me so afraid that I have a hard time functioning sometimes.  I am 44 so I don't know if part of it is my age. Does anyone else have this problem and if so how do you get past it?  Sorry if this is a topic somewhere else!
Posted 4/10/2010 2:21 PM (GMT 0)
I always had a severe fear of death up til last yr when i did get really sick n should hv gone
BUT
i came thru it n that fear is gone now totally
mine was over losses of child n parents i believe

it is common but kbow you can beat it as well
keep posting n talking about it

Glad u found us here

huggs
lyn
Posted 4/10/2010 2:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Genie,
Sometimes i think living takes much more courage, I also think it's our uncertainty of what lies beyond, that makes us afraid of both living and dying.

What are your hopes and dreams, are you facing these and making a good attempt to achieve these, making use of your life, and the gifts whatever they may be,

No one can be certain of God, or even know the truth of God, there are so many versions, if you are searching then find what feels good and right to you, an open heart and mind to find your spiritual self may make a big difference,

I think that as we get older and perhaps find more time to worry about things, this issue appears, but isn't it more likely it's a little push to go out and live,
Posted 4/10/2010 3:42 PM (GMT 0)
I'm so sorry you're terrified of death. We all have to die...every living thing has to come to an end. Some people are comforted with a personal belief in God or a higher power and feel they will die only in body and their soul (spirit) will live on and go to a heavenly home where they will reside with loved ones for eternity. I choose to believe this way...I am a Christian. I don't think badly of those who choose to believe in other ways. Everyone has a right to believe as they choose. One way to look at it is to realize that you did not know of this life before you were born...you will not know of this life when you are no longer here. The important thing for you to try to do is to live while you are alive...you are here right now and you can enjoy this journey called life. Relax...if you believe in God pray for peace and comfort...baby yourself when you are afraid and feed your body well...take a warm bath and read a good book or watch a good movie. Keep your thoughts on living and not on dying...you are alive. When you're having an anxiety or panic attack you may feel like can't breathe, but trust me, you are breathing. Please keep posting and take comfort in knowing that there are others just like you. I don't have a fear of dying...but I do suffer anxiety attacks that make me feel like I can't breathe...I know how scary that feels. But I also know deep down that I'm in an anxiety attack and it will pass. You will be fine! Joni
Posted 4/10/2010 3:55 PM (GMT 0)
GREAT input per norm my friend Ian
you sure hv been missed as has your wisdom
love n huggs
lyn
Posted 4/10/2010 4:16 PM (GMT 0)
I think what Joni said has a lot of merit. We are all going to die. Why waste all your time on worrying about dying when you have so much more to live for. Find what gives you comfort and put your faith in that. I wish you peace! Hugs!
Posted 4/10/2010 5:41 PM (GMT 0)
I think it's pretty common. And I fear it a lot if I'm already depressed over something else or if I watch the news too often. Then somehow I feel better and then I don't think about it for a while.

What's odd to me though is how many people claim they don't fear it. On another site (unrelated to anxiety) practically everyone posting in a thread about this were saying they don't fear it at all. Seems odd to me that so many say they don't.
Posted 4/10/2010 6:29 PM (GMT 0)
YES
live for today not for what might hv been or could be
just my thoughts on it
lyn
Posted 4/10/2010 6:48 PM (GMT 0)
Genie,

First of all, welcome to HealingWell. I am so glad that you have joined us.

There are a lot of people that fear death. But as was posted above, it takes more courage to live than die.

It sounds like you are really struggleing with this. Do you ever meditate? It gives you a feeling of peace with living. I think that you should give it a try. Deep breathing helps too. In through the nose and out through the mouth. It is called smelling the roses and blowing out the candles. Take solace in knowing that we all understand how you feel. And we are all here for you. Know that when you die, you go to a better place. And living gets you there. Take life one day at a time, one moment if you have to. You will get through this and we will help you.

Best wishes for a wonderful day. Keep posting.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 4/10/2010 8:08 PM (GMT 0)
I have been near death 3 times.We all going to die sometime.......
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