According to dictionaries, thanatophobia (or thanatophobia) is the fear of death and everything related to it, including the death of loved ones. Anyone can fear death or the loss of a loved one at some point in their lives, but when this begins to affect their well-being, it is no longer a common fear, but a phobia that can cause serious harm to those who live with it.

Understanding where this fear comes from and what its possible consequences are is important for those who wish to face it. After all, who would like to spend their life excessively fearing the death of someone important to them? For this reason, we invite you to continue reading this article, in which we will explain what you need to know about this intriguing phobia, reflecting on its possible causes, andhow to deal with it.

Longing X Selfishness

Before we get into the origins of thanatophobia, it is interesting to reflect on whether we fear the death of people close to us thinking about them, or whether there is a certain amount of selfishness behind it.

In the specific experience of a family member on the verge of death, for example, it is worth thinking about what motivates us to want the person to stay alive so much, even if it means maintaining their pain.

Doesn't the attachment to the fear of that longing carry a touch of selfishness? The hard truth to accept is that it may be necessary to let the person go in order for their pain to cease, even if we need to face our own pains in the grieving process.

Origins and causes

The essence of this phobia stems from the fear of the unknown, since death is a certainty that raises many questions.

Fearing the consequences of one's own death can also be at the heart of the matter. In this case, the individual fears death by thinking of the emotional pain that will be left behind, or because his departure will leave a loved one helpless.

Traumas are also possible causes of thananophobia. The experience of being on the verge of death or the loss of a loved one can be triggers of the phobia.

Other possibilities, such as those related to attachment, neediness, excessive love, and similar situations, may even be among the motivators of the phobia when it involves the other, but this is something very individual. Only a deep psychological analysis will be able to pinpoint the probable origins and the triggers that sustain them.

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Symptoms

The symptoms of thanatophobia can be both physiological and psychological. Dysfunctional thoughts about death are present, as well as anxiety, anguish, and fear related to them. These thoughts and emotions can lead the individual to avoid death-related situations, such as funerals, and even cause his or her social isolation for fear of leaving home and encountering death.

In addition, physical symptoms can also be triggered: nausea, rapid heartbeat, trembling, and sweating, typical symptoms of anxiety and phobias in general, are common.

Treatment

The idea of having this phobia may seem frightening, but, like other phobias, this one can also be treated. With the help of a psychologist, it is possible for the individual to discover the causes of his fear. This process of self-knowledge is an essential part of the treatment and must be allied to a subsequent intervention.

Through a variety of scientifically proven techniques, the psychologist is able to help the patient deconstruct the dysfunctional thoughts involved in thanatophobia.

Another technique widely used in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, in this case, is exposure therapy, which aims to help the patient achieve self-control over anxiety and other phobia symptoms.is well supported to deal with emotions and conflicts.

The accompaniment of a psychiatrist may also be necessary, according to the indication for each person, which can be made by the psychologist himself. In this case, the psychiatrist is the one who will evaluate the need and the form of medication with the patient. Therefore, it is essential to consult qualified professionals to effectively diagnose and treat thanatophobia.

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Feeling fear of death is healthy in the right measure. After all, it activates our self-preservation and care for others. But there is no need to be hostage to suffering with this fear, because the phobia has treatment, as long as help is sought. It all starts with the desire for self-knowledge, but acting is also primordial to live well.