Death Anxiety: What is Thanatophobia?

It is no secret that death is inevitable. We will all face death. But for some people, there is a fear of death that can cause anxiety. For these people, the thought of death is distressing and consuming. This death anxiety is also known as thanatophobia.

This type of anxiety can also lead to issues with mental health and daily functioning. Some people may fear the dying process as well as dying. It is important to note that thanatophobia is not the same as necrophobia, which is the fear of dead or dying people or things.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” – John 14:1-3, NIV

What Does Death Anxiety Feel Like?

Phobias are types of anxiety disorders. They are based on a fear that causes a person to struggle with everyday living. When this fear interrupts life, it becomes a diagnosable phobia. Death anxiety can cause an individual to stop engaging in the things they once enjoyed. It’s not specifically listed in the manual of mental disorders, but death anxiety is thought of as a specific phobia.

There are criteria used to help determine if there is a true phobia. Once the symptoms are identified, they are compared to the criteria.

Symptoms:

• Sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Racing heart
• Nausea
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Excessive worry or fear of death or dying that gets in the way of life

Criteria:

• The above symptoms last more than 6 months
• The symptoms interfere with everyday life
• The person will avoid situations involving death
• The symptoms become noticeable when death is brought up in conversations
• The symptoms cause a person to avoid any situation regarding death

Causes of Death Anxiety

There is no specific list of causes for death anxiety. It is thought that most people develop this phobia in their childhood or early teen years. It could be a combination of stress, trauma, and genetics. Some of the factors that can play a part in the struggle with death anxiety are:

Abuse history Some people may develop this phobia because they have been abused sexually, physically, and/or mentally. 

Public health crisis When a pandemic such as COVID, AIDS, or the flu arises, a person may develop a phobia because of the many deaths that occur.

Trauma Personal trauma that may involve a near-death experience can create a fear of death or dying.

Environment A child who has been raised in an environment of anxiety, overprotection, or criticism is at risk for phobias, including death anxiety.

Chronic illness A person who is diagnosed with a chronic or terminal illness may find themselves struggling with the symptoms of death anxiety.

Overcoming Death Anxiety

Understanding how to manage the symptoms of death anxiety begins with the knowledge that death is a natural experience. Knowing values and expectations of life can be the biggest factor in overcoming the fear of death. A person who understands why they have death anxiety is more likely to find a way to overcome the struggle. Another step for overcoming thanatophobia is to identify any habits that may feed the fear of death.

It’s okay to fear death, but it’s not okay to live in that fear. Changing the thoughts of death that cause anxiety can create a new thought process that reduces anxiety and fear. A Christian counselor can help you navigate the healing process so you can begin to enjoy life as God intended.