Fear Of Death Phobia - Do You Suffer From The Fear Of Death?

Though it's not as common as other phobias, the fear of death can be just as debilitating. There are actually two different phobias that deal with death that are related. Necrophobia is the fear of dead things. Those who experience intense revulsion upon seeing a corpse or even a dead rodent suffer from this phobia. By contrast, a person who is horrified at the prospect of their own death suffers from a condition known as thanatophobia. Some people suffer from both phobias, terrified of death in any form. Below, you'll learn potential causes of this fear, the symptoms of those who suffer from it and how it's typically treated.

Causes

Most people who suffer from necrophobia have experienced an event in their past that proved distressing to them. Usually, the event involved close (and sometimes prolonged) exposure to a human corpse or the remains of an animal. The triggering event (and the emotions that accompany it) can occur as a child or as an adult. Examples reported by some people include being locked in a room with a corpse or witnessing the brutal death of an animal. In some extreme cases, the fear of death has been triggered by seeing something on television. That being said, personal exposure is most often the catalyst.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms can be activated by various stimuli. While exposure to a corpse or dead animal usually acts as a trigger, mere thoughts of such things or viewing them on television can also activate the phobia. When exposed, those who suffer from necrophobia often have trouble breathing. They can experience an extreme level of dread, fear and anxiety. Their mouth can go dry instantly and they may have difficulty speaking. The horror of death completely overwhelms them.

Treatment

The fear of death tends to carry emotions that are intense and focused. Hypnotherapy is typically used to revisit the event that created the initial emotional reaction. Because the original triggering episode can be traumatic (often involving deceased family members or pets), resolution can often take a significant amount of time. Hypnotherapy and gradual exposure to dead things can be highly-effective in helping a person deal with necrophobia. Ultimately, as the reaction is learned, the fear can be controlled.

Growing Comfortable With Death

Because death is a natural part of life, the irrational fear of it can cause emotional damage. The act of visiting loved ones who are about to pass away and saying goodbye or attending funerals in honor of those who were significant in your life can be impossible if necrophobia isn't managed. But, with the proper therapy, death can once again become the last natural phase of life.

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