Dealing With Death Anxiety

 The dread of death is one of the oldest anxieties of the human race, owing to the fact that no one knows what's "on the other side." When a person is suffering from a terminal disease and is unavoidably aware that his time is running out, the dread of death might become even more intense. This emotion, which is often referred to as "death anxiety," is frequently accompanied by spells of despair and a variety of difficulties related to their interpersonal interactions. Although some psychological side effects have been recorded, "death anxiety" may occasionally be a concern for those around the dying.

This issue is generally neglected in favor of either extending the patient's life or making their last days as pleasant and painless as possible. The physical component of death is significantly easier for most medical practitioners to cope with than the emotional and psychological aspects of it. However, in recent years, an increasing number of individuals have begun to pay attention to the issues caused by "death anxiety" and the steps that may be done to assist minimize the mental agony of those affected. This always encompasses both the dying patient and those around him, who will have to cope with the emotional fallout long after the patient has died.

The sadness that might result from "death anxiety" is no easier to live with than typical depression. In fact, since death is looming on the horizon, it is very likely that the situation might be greater than usual. This is true for both the patient and the patient's loved ones, who must face the harsh fact that someone they care about will die. When seen in this context, depression might easily be viewed as an issue that continues to worsen even after death, so a problem that only badly harmed the patient "infects" the individuals the patient leaves behind.

According to new research, support groups may frequently help individuals emotionally prepare for death. This is for both patients and their families, who may want a little additional assistance in dealing with the impending death. Individuals find it beneficial to be exposed to others who are experiencing or have had similar challenges. Most psychologists think that being exposed to people who are experiencing similar stresses and challenges may aid in coping with both the death of a loved one and the possible psychological harm that a terminal disease can cause.

For a few years now, standard support items such as periodicals, booklets, and the like have been circulated among the terminally sick. Most mental health professionals agree that although they do have a visible favorable influence on a person's general mood during moments of "death fear," they are often insufficient to protect someone from slipping into melancholy. These may be useful and are typically easily available at the offices of physicians and experts who deal with this kind of condition on a daily basis.