We're all going to die! Today, we are going to talk about a topic that is often avoided but is a reality that we cannot escape - death. While it is a natural part of life, the thought of death can be anxiety-provoking and can lead to fears and worries. In this video, we will discuss how to deal with the anxiety and fears that come with the thought of death and how to live a fulfilling life in the present moment. So, sit back, relax, and let's get started.

Before we dive into how to deal with the fears and anxiety that come with the thought of death, it is important to understand death itself. Death is a natural part of the life cycle, and it is something that every living being will experience. It is a universal experience that connects us all. While death is inevitable, the timing and circumstances of death are unknown. It is this uncertainty that often leads to anxiety and fear. However, understanding death can help us come to terms with it. Death can be viewed as a natural and peaceful process that allows for the cycle of life to continue. Accepting death as a part of life can help us live in the present moment and appreciate our lives more fully. Because if we're worried about death, we're not living. It's understandable to have various fears regarding death. What's on the other side? Will it hurt? Will my loved ones be taken care of?

It's easy to say, just stop worrying about death, but it can be crippling for many. One of the best ways I've found to accept death is to accept that we simply don't know anything. We don't have a time machine to know how it's going to happen. We also don't know how it will be after this life. I'm a pretty religious guy and yet, what I believe is still based a "guess" through faith. Just like everyone else's beliefs.

One treatment that works well is called. Exposure and Response Prevention. ERP involves exposing oneself to the feared object or situation and preventing oneself from engaging in behaviours or thoughts that reinforce anxiety. When it comes to death anxiety, ERP can involve exposing oneself to thoughts and situations related to death and preventing oneself from engaging in behaviours or thoughts that reinforce anxiety. For example, if the thought of death is causing anxiety, ERP can involve exposing oneself to the thought and preventing oneself from engaging in behaviours that reinforce the anxiety, such as avoiding situations that remind one of death. The more we accept the uncertainty and stop problem solving, this is essentially what ERP is all about. We may do things that seems over the top or silly.

If I can't get my brain to stop thinking about death and it's mixed with lots of anxiety, then it's my job to take it's value away. I may do this by creating my own obituary, maybe write my eulogy. I could spend time writing the word, death, death, death, over and over again and practice responding differently to it. (almost as if i don't care) - I could have my family pretend to have a funeral for me. I could write stories of how I die. Whats even more important then the action, it's the response. How can I respond as if I simply don't care if I die. Do I smile? Do I say I love the thoughts? I'm so excited to die someday. It's once in a lifetime event, I can't wait.

Exposure and response prevention for the fear of death

If we can find the core fear of this, it's best to do exposures on this. Is it really about death or is it my eternal salvation? Heaven or hell.

Dealing with the anxiety and fears that come with the thought of death can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be all doom and gloom. Making it fun can help reduce anxiety and make the process more enjoyable. Creating exposures to make it fun can help in the process.

Ultimately what we want to do is to continue living life despite the fears. Do things that remind us of the beauty of life. This can include spending time with loved ones, traveling, trying new things, or simply enjoying a nice meal. Doing things that make us happy can help us live in the present moment and appreciate life more fully. Another way to make it fun is to use humor. Humor can be a powerful tool in reducing anxiety and making the process more enjoyable. It can help us see the lighter side of life and make us feel more connected to others. "After I die, I'm going to come back and haunt you for eating my ice cream."

Uncertainty is a part of life, and when it comes to death, it is one of the biggest sources of anxiety and fear. However, accepting uncertainty can help reduce anxiety and allow us to live in the present moment. Accepting uncertainty involves acknowledging that we cannot control everything in life and that the future is unknown.

Whenever there is a question of uncertainty, we can use phrases to remind ourselves that we're not going any further with the thought. Something like "maybe, maybe not" is a good one. "thanks for the thought today." "I guess anything is possible" "cool brain" "thanks for that." "love these thoughts." "I'll figure it out when the time comes."

It is important to live the life you're living now. Focusing too much on death can reduce the quality of life and prevent us from living in the present moment. While death is a reality that we cannot escape, it doesn't have to be something that consumes us. I would say, don't wait for these fears to go away. If you have to do the over the top exposures to help you deal with the reality of death, then we do it. It's okay to feel anxiety about the unknown. Even when doing these exposures. It doesn't mean you're in danger. Instead it means you're growing and learning.

In conclusion, death is a reality that we cannot escape. By understanding death, using exposure and response prevention treatment, making it fun, accepting uncertainty, and living the life you're living now, we can reduce anxiety and fears and make the most of the time we have.

So let me know down in the comments, what part of death are you most scared of?

and to enhance your anxiety busting skills even more, go watch this video right here.