Fear of Death, Coming to Terms with my mortality
Hello everyone.
I am a 22 year old mechanical engineer. I like star trek and playing music. I was depressed for the better part of ages 15-20 and have been doing very well up until last weekend.
I was suddenly stricken with the fear of death. I cannot stop thinking of what happens after death and where I will go. Also most importantly, I am struggling with thoughts of "If we die, what is the point of life if we won't be able to remember it in the next plane of existence? Will it be lonely?"
I want to stop thinking this way. I desperately want to go back to the way it was before I was stricken with this fear.
This post makes me think of this quote, which is how I cope with the thoughts you describe. Maybe easier said than done though.
I do not fear death. I had been dead for billions and billions of years before I was born, and had not suffered the slightest inconvenience from it.
― Mark Twain
@reckoner22 I have this exact fear. It is so weird, it suddenly comes over me and I cannot stop thinking about it m. It gives me panic attacks! Im what happens after, will I know? Its my worst fear and the worst thing about it is you cant do anything about it. If you are scared of the sea you can avoid it but you cant avoid death and that makes it worse!! So frustrating
@reckoner22 I am sorry you have been stricken with the fear of death; it sounds as if the idea that your life is limited has made you afraid. We are taught, however, in my school, that becoming aware of the fact that life is transient is a gift; that on realising we have only limited time in this body, we wake up and realise that since we do not know what is on the other side, we may as well live our lives to the fullest while we are here. The challenge then is to find meaning in existence; how do I add, rather than subtract, to the sum of human enlightenment? Of the well being of others? Even helping an old lady across the street can be something which adds profound meaning to one's day! Serving others, being a good role model for those who will come after you... Oh, I know we are not supposed to give advice! But something in your message touches me, that you are lonely, and it makes me sad! Do reach out and grow toward the sunlight... it is there, calling you; and yet how often do we take ordinary things for granted! Good luck, my friend... :)
