PANIC ATTACK AND FEAR OF DEATH

Olive oil bottle (lekythos) from Attica depicting Charon welcoming a soul. Circa 500–450 BC.

The fear of death is something every conscious living being feels after a certain age. It's not just a fear—it's also a form of existential questioning seen in all humans. When exaggerated, this fear is called thanatophobia, and in some cases, it may also manifest as fear of harming others. In any case, it appears as a stressful daily life, hours filled with fear, sleep and eating disorders, social withdrawal, and naturally, poor quality of life and weakened defense mechanisms.

For people suffering from panic disorder and panic attacks, the problem (especially in our country) is more obvious and distressing. Many experience this fear intensely, often seeking help at hospitals or from doctors, suffering through it alongside their loved ones. The intensity of fear is confirmed and amplified by physical symptoms like rapid heart rate, irregular breathing, and tightness in the chest. People try various ways to cope: seeking peace through religion, calming themselves with medication, trying to forget with alcohol, or developing avoidance behaviors. Suicidal tendencies (conscious or unconscious) are also observed.

What to do:

• Death is a natural event that we all will face eventually—rich or poor, young or old. It's natural to fear it, but remember: at this very moment, as you're reading this, you're still alive.

  
  

• Death is when we stop breathing and can no longer experience the present. It’s the exact opposite of life. Try to live in the moment and stop focusing only on what makes you anxious or unhappy. Remember! The future hasn’t happened yet, and the past is already gone.

  
  

• Fear of death can be eased by preparing for it and facing it. Write your will, plan your funeral, and write down what you want or don't want at the ceremony. Thinking and planning constructively about that scary moment helps reduce and normalize the fear.

  
  

• If you knew you would die tomorrow, what would you do? What would you want to say—and to whom? Can you do or say those things now? If so, then why wait? Constantly postponing and suppressing the issue doesn’t help.

  
  

• Instead of clinging to money and possessions, try to value inner peace and things that improve your quality of life.

  
  

• Do religious feelings or teachings give you strength? Why not talk to an imam, priest, or rabbi? Maybe you're not religious—but there are still people or ideas that can help you find meaning and security. Reach out to them.

  
  

• Loneliness makes this fear and existential conflict unbearable. Instead of running away, spend time with loved ones, help those in need, build friendships, give and receive love, and find daily activities that bring purpose. All of this can reduce your fear.

Sincerely…