We all die, and at vulnerable times in our lives we can become especially aware of this. This awareness often results in the possibility of becoming afraid of death. After all, it is an unknown territory and there is pretty little you can do about it. So while this fear is not very unreal, there is so little you can do about it. That is why in this blog I will go deeper into what you can do against the fear of dying.

Fear of death, what does it mean?

Of course, fear of death means fear of dying. The fear of death can cause you to behave very strangely. You may become incredibly superstitious, unreasonable and suffer from mood swings.

Researchers also say they want to investigate whether the fear of death is not an underlying factor for many other anxiety disorders [1].

Origin of the fear of death

When you are afraid of death, it can be due to a variety of things. For example, a case study shows that the fear of death can be linked to a fear of being punished.

I don't mean this religiously, but because of circumstances in that person's life that he was afraid of. For example, because he had done something "illegal" at some point in his life.

Fear of death can arise from a variety of events in your life. In the case study[2], it was a combination of factors. Illness, what had become of his child (which he felt was an extension of himself) and problems in his home country with his business (which had to do with that being illegal). And the fear of his late father (who he might encounter after death).

In a sense, so can...

Personal Illness
Unexpected things in your personal life
Major problems with the law
Fear of deceased persons

..Taking care of the fear of dying.

Of course, this all depends on the beliefs you have. If you are incredibly religious, for example, you may have a fear of dying because God will pass judgment on you and therefore you will end up in hell or heaven. Quite an exciting matter since the decision has consequences for eternity.

Research also shows that Muslims have a greater fear of death than people of other religions[3]. As for all religions, the more religious someone is, the less fearful they are of death. If you are not religious, but you do believe in something or an energy or the like, then again you are more likely to have a fear of death[4].

Having a clear identity, purpose in your life, meaning in your life and self-confidence makes for less fear of death. If you do not have this, you may again be more fearful of death[5].

Increased self-confidence is also very important to reduce fear of death[6].

Reduce fear of death

To still enjoy being alive daily, it is important to limit the fear of death to a level that is tolerable and does not cause an interruption in your behavior and thoughts.

Research shows that a virtual out-of-body experience can cause you to have less fear of death. In this study, people were given VR glasses to wear. Initially, that experience was synchronous with their own bodies. Then the VR glasses gave the experience that one was no longer in their body. But rather above it and slightly behind it.

This actually corresponds to people who have actually had such an experience and as a result become convinced that there is life after death. That is a reassuring thought[7].

The effect of VR glasses can also be achieved with hypnosis. In this case, you can have a guided visualization in which you visualize an out-of-body experience. Because you do this while you are under hypnosis you become more quickly convinced that this is possible after death and this can then give you some reassurance about dying.

Increase self-confidence

Hypnosis can also do a lot for increasing your self-confidence[8]. This is important if you want to have less fear of death. Initially, the hypnotist can help you explore what is lacking right now in terms of your self-confidence.

For example, what negative beliefs do you have about yourself that don't make sense at all? The hypnotist can do this by having a conversation with you while you are under hypnosis.

Then the hypnosis expert can help you by applying regression to find out where that limiting belief about your self-confidence came from. With regression, you will do something about the moment when a blocking belief arose, so that it no longer bothers you.

And so you become more confident.

In the process, you can receive hypnotic suggestions that will help you set your own goals, achieve them and give your life meaning.

These may include suggestions such as:

"You can do anything."
"Everything is allowed one step at a time."
"Failure is a learning moment, and a continuing moment."
"You may also have a small goal."

These are just examples. Depending on your beliefs, your goals and problems you have, a hypnosis expert can give you other suggestions for improving your self-confidence.

Defining purpose in your life

This self-confidence is also needed to establish a clear purpose in your life. By knowing what you are doing and where you are going, the fear of death also becomes a lot less.

When you have sufficient self-confidence, you can set a goal that can give your life meaning.

For example, is there something you've always wanted to do, but something blocked you from doing it?

Then hypnosis can help you remove the blockage. This can be done in many ways.

One way is to ridicule that little voice that says you can't do anything. For example, you start saying something to yourself in a very strange way until it becomes funny and ridiculous.

You can even do really weird moves with it.

Giving your life meaning

Another way to reduce the fear of death is to give your life meaning. Helping people is always a good way to give your life meaning. For example, you can volunteer, or help people with something you are very good at.

If you are unsure about that or whether this will work out for you or something similar, a hypnosis therapist can help you by showing you how to do meaningful things, for example.

For example, you can get a guided visualization to stimulate your imagination to see that you can do something.

For example:

"You go to the local food bank with food you want to give away. You indicate that you want to help assemble and distribute the packages. You're doing a good job. It's fun to work with the other volunteers. It's nice to help people who need the packages. You feel how the hold the packages in your hands and make the motion to hand the package to the recipient. You smile at them and say "please." Now you have done your part in the lives of others, which can give your life meaning again."

If you're not a people person, then of course you can also do something for animals at the local animal shelter.

Overcoming fear of death

Overcoming the fear of death would be a bit odd. Ultimately, though, this is a fear that keeps you from doing stupid things and staying alive, but it is certainly possible to curb the fear of death so that it does not affect your daily life and moods too much.

For this, it is important to have sufficient self-confidence, a goal to live toward and to live a meaningful life. Religion and simulating an out-of-body experience can also help you reduce anxiety.

Hypnosis can support you with your self-confidence and mimic surreal experiences.

Want to know how hypnosis works and feels? Then you can experience that at a hypnosis playshop. The playshops are held in Wormerveer and in Zwolle.

Instead, would you like to get started directly with hypnosis and techniques to help yourself and others? Then come to a seminar or enroll in one of our trainings. Ask about online options if that suits you better.

Training sessions are held in Wormerveer or Zwolle. Choose the location that suits you.

[1] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/pon.4783