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Thinking about death from time to time is normal. But sometimes we have a strong fear or anxiety around death. Help is available.

What is death anxiety?

Death anxiety is a deep and often overwhelming feeling of fear or anxiety related to the idea of death or dying. Death is a natural part of the human experience, but for some, a more intense, persistent anxiety around death can develop that affects daily life.

Symptoms of death anxiety

Death anxiety symptoms can vary, but they often include:

  • Palpable fear of death or dying
  • Anxiety attacks, especially in the evening
  • Avoidance of thinking or talking about death
  • Sleep problems due to fear or anxiety

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Death anxiety in children and adolescents

In children and young people, death anxiety can manifest itself through:

  • Concerns about the well-being of parents or loved ones
  • Frequent questions about death and what happens afterwards
  • Difficulty sleeping or nightmares related to the topic of death.

Managing death anxiety

There are several ways to deal with death anxiety:

  • Talk therapy: Talking to a psychologist can help process feelings and thoughts related to death anxiety.
  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): This form of therapy can help identify and change negative thought patterns.
  • Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: These can reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.
  • Support groups: sharing experiences with others who have similar feelings can be very helpful.

Medication and treatment

In some cases, medication, such as anti-depressants may be recommended by a doctor. It is important to remember that medication should be used as part of a broader treatment plan, in consultation with a healthcare professional.


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When to seek help?

If your fear of death becomes so overwhelming that it prevents you from living a normal life, it is important to seek professional help. Signs that it may be time to seek help include:

  • Fears of death that significantly impact your daily functioning
  • Physical symptoms such as heart palpitations or difficulty breathing not explained by a medical condition
  • Thoughts of suicide

If you or a loved one are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please call 911 or text or call the suicide hotline at 988.

Understanding and accepting death anxiety

Accepting and understanding death anxiety is an important step in the coping process. It is not about getting rid of the fear completely, but rather learning to live with it in a way that does not limit your daily life.

Existential death anxiety

Existential death anxiety relates to deeper questions about the meaning of life and what happens after death. It can be particularly pronounced at the end of life or after the death of a loved one. Talking to a therapist can help you navigate these complex feelings.

Death anxiety in the evening

Many people find that their death anxiety worsens in the evening. This may be due to reduced distraction and an increased tendency to reflect on existential issues. Therefore, it can be helpful to establish a relaxing evening routine that includes, for example, meditation or mindfulness exercises.


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Special circumstances

Death anxiety after major changes

Major life changes, such as having children or being diagnosed with a serious illness like cancer, can trigger death anxiety. It is important to acknowledge these feelings and seek support when needed.

Death anxiety in relation to PTSD and health anxiety

For people with PTSD or health anxiety, death anxiety can be particularly intense. Specialized treatment, such as trauma-focused therapy, may be necessary.

Remember: you are not alone

Death anxiety is a universal experience, and you are not alone in your feelings. By seeking help and using available resources, you can find ways to manage your anxiety and live a more fulfilling life.

Creating a new relationship with death

An important aspect of dealing with death anxiety is reshaping our relationship with death. This may involve accepting death as a natural part of life and then finding ways to live more fully with the awareness of our own mortality.

We make the difficult easier

You can contact experienced psychologists and therapists here on our website who can help you deal with your fear of death. By creating a safe and understanding environment, we aim to make addressing your death anxiety less frightening and more manageable.

Help is closer than you think

If you recognize the symptoms of death anxiety in yourself or someone you know, don’t hesitate to contact us. By understanding and addressing these feelings, together we can find ways to live a more harmonious and less anxious life.


20 common questions and answers about death anxiety

What is death anxiety?

Death anxiety is a strong fear or concern about the idea of death or dying. Some anxiety about death can be normal, but if thoughts and fears about death begin to affect your daily life, it is recommended to seek help.

How do you know if you have death anxiety?

Signs of death anxiety include constant worry about death, avoidance of conversations about death, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, and a general sense of fear that cannot be explained. It is important to seek professional help if these feelings become overwhelming.

Can death anxiety be cured?

While death anxiety is part of the human experience, there are treatments that can help with overwhelming anxiety about death. Therapy, mindfulness exercises and sometimes medication can be used to manage these feelings. Talking to a psychologist or therapist can be a first step.

Why do I think I am going to die?

This feeling can be part of death anxiety. It may be due to internal concerns or external influences such as news or personal experiences. It is important to understand that these thoughts are often irrational and a reflection of underlying anxiety. Help is available.

How do I manage my death anxiety?

Managing death anxiety often means learning to accept death as a natural part of life. Practical steps include talking about your feelings, writing down your thoughts, participating in relaxation exercises and seeking professional help.

Does death anxiety affect my physical health?

Yes, death anxiety can have physical effects such as heart palpitations, breathing difficulties, or stomach problems. Chronic anxiety can also affect the immune system and cause other long-term health problems. It is important to take care of both your mental and physical health.

Is it normal to experience death anxiety?

Yes, it is completely normal. Many people experience some form of death anxiety during their lifetime. It is a natural part of being aware of your own mortality. Problems arise when these feelings become overwhelming and interfere with everyday functions.

Can lifestyle changes help alleviate death anxiety?

Absolutely. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep and stress management techniques can all help reduce symptoms of anxiety. Maintaining social contacts and engaging in meaningful activities can also be helpful.

How can I talk about my death anxiety with loved ones?

It is important to open up about your feelings in a safe environment. Choose a quiet time and place, and explain how you feel in an honest way. Sharing your feelings can reduce feelings of loneliness and create understanding and support from others.

Are there any specific therapies that are effective for death anxiety?

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is often effective in dealing with anxiety-related conditions, including death anxiety. Existential therapy can also be helpful as it focuses on addressing the fundamental issues of life, death and meaning.

Can creative expressions such as art or music help in the management of death anxiety?

Yes, creative expressions such as art, music, writing or dance can be very effective in dealing with death anxiety. These activities offer a way to express feelings non-verbally, which can be particularly useful for those who have difficulty putting their feelings into words. Creative expression can also provide a sense of calm, presence and personal expression that can reduce anxiety levels.

Can meditation and mindfulness help reduce death anxiety?

Meditation and mindfulness exercises are known to reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and focusing on the present moment. These practices can help create a new perspective on death and reduce the fear associated with it.

Is death anxiety more common in older people?

While death anxiety can affect individuals at any age, it is not uncommon for it to become more prominent as you get older. This may be due to more experiences of loss or an increased awareness of one’s own mortality.

Can religious or spiritual beliefs influence the experience of death anxiety?

Yes, individuals’ religious or spiritual beliefs can have a significant impact on how they experience and cope with death anxiety. Some may find comfort in their faith, while others may experience additional conflicts or questions.

When to seek professional help for death anxiety?

If death anxiety begins to affect your daily functioning, causes overwhelming worry, or if you have thoughts of self-harm, it is important to seek professional help. Psychologists and therapists can offer strategies and treatment to deal with these feelings.

Can death anxiety be linked to other mental health conditions?

Yes, death anxiety can sometimes be linked to other mental health conditions such as depression, generalized anxiety disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is important to treat these underlying conditions along with the death anxiety for an improved quality of life.

What role do family and friends play in managing death anxiety?

The support of family and friends is crucial. Being able to share your thoughts and feelings with loved ones can provide emotional relief. Feeling understood and supported can also reduce feelings of isolation that often accompany death anxiety.

Can physical activity help reduce symptoms of death anxiety?

Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers, and help reduce tension and stress.

How can I deal with sudden bouts of death anxiety?

In acute moments of death anxiety, try focusing on your breathing, using relaxation techniques or mindfulness exercises. Having a prepared plan for dealing with these moments can be very helpful.

Is it possible to completely overcome death anxiety?

While death anxiety can be part of the human experience, it is possible to learn to deal with it in a healthy way. Therapy, lifestyle changes and personal growth can all help to reduce the intensity and frequency of these feelings.

Dealing with death anxiety: A step-by-step guide

Dealing with death anxiety can be a challenging journey, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. Here are some steps to help you start the process:

1. Acknowledge and accept your feelings

Anxiety about death is a natural part of life. Therefore, it may also be natural to acknowledge and accept your feelings without judging yourself. It is perfectly normal to feel fear, sadness or confusion.

2. Understand the causes of your anxiety

Try to identify what is causing your anxiety. Is it fear of the unknown, concern about leaving loved ones, or perhaps fear of pain? Understanding the causes can provide insights for coping and thus give you something specific in the anxiety to focus on dealing with.

3. Seek support

Talk to friends, family or a therapist. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with someone can provide comfort and understanding. It is also a way to feel that you are not alone.

4. Explore relaxation techniques

Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation or relaxation exercises can be helpful in managing anxiety. These practices can help reduce stress and promote inner peace.

5. Inform yourself about death

Reading about and understanding death can reduce the fear of the unknown. There are books, articles and podcasts that can provide a broader view of death and its importance in life. As other people’s perspectives can reflect your own, as well as provide alternatives, it is a good idea to listen to other people’s thoughts on death.

6. Create a life plan

Focus on living a meaningful life. Make a list of things you want to achieve, places you want to visit and relationships you want to nurture as this can provide perspective and reduce anxiety.

7. Consider professional help

If your death anxiety is overwhelming, consider seeking professional help. A psychologist or therapist can offer strategies and support to deal with your feelings.

8. Participate in support groups

Participating in a support group can provide a sense of community. Sharing experiences with others who are going through similar feelings can be extremely healing as we sometimes need help from others to express our feelings and thoughts.

A first step in seeking help

Each person’s journey is unique. Take the steps that feel right for you and don’t hesitate to seek support when you need it. You can book a session with our therapists whenever you feel ready. We at Lavendla are here to support you through this journey and want to make the difficult easier.


Written by Sophia Coulter

Sophia is a registered nurse with experience in inpatient, emergency and community mental health care. She has a passion for providing emergency support for those experiencing mental health crises.