Fear of death

[Jackalope]

Our personal mortality is a subject that often causes a great deal of fear. I ask that you answer as honestly as you can, with a minimum of self-denial (which admittedly, can be difficult particularly with this subject).

Feel free to comment on your answer in detail. Assume that your passing would be relatively non-traumatic (e.g. dying peacefully in your sleep, or of an illness with good palliative care).

[The Grand Nudger]

Whats the question? If I'm afraid of death? Depends, doesn't it. I'm not afraid of dying in my sleep, but I do fear going over the guard rail of a bridge and drowning. It isn't so much death as pain that causes the fear in that scenario, most likely.

[Jackalope]

Whats the question? If I'm afraid of death? Depends, doesn't it. I'm not afraid of dying in my sleep, but I do fear going over the guard rail of a bridge and drowning. It isn't so much death as pain that causes the fear in that scenario, most likely.

Banned for not waiting for the poll.

Oh wait, wrong thread.

[The Grand Nudger]

Yeah, I was wondering where the meat was..lol.

[Perhaps]

I personally am afraid of the idea of not existing anymore. Mostly for selfish reasons such as I think I'm too young and have too much to offer the world, but some non personal reasons as well such as the emotional trauma inflicted upon my family. I don't fear what is after death for I know there is nothing, and I don't necessarily fear how I die, I'm just not too approving of a painful method, although pain is only really realized in retrospect, so I doubt it would affect me too greatly. I also realized while typing this that I used the word 'too' quite a lot. Interesting poll, I'm eager to see the results as more people vote.

[Diamond]

I really don't think about it all that much...

[Shell B]

I do not believe in the afterlife and I mostly do not fear death. However, I would be unhappy to die when I had something important to do, so sometimes I fear death. By something important, I mean something family-oriented. I would hate to croak and ruin someone's big day. It's not hubris that makes me fear the impact of my death. I have a very big family and we are all very close. I know it would hurt a lot of people, so I hope I make it long enough so the little ones are big ones and everyone is psyched that the smelly old lady finally gave out, though I personally don't look forward to getting old.

[Jackalope]

Having faced the very real possibility of losing my life 58 days ago, I have a very personal perspective on the subject. At the time, I was scared shitless. It came on suddenly, and over the span of two hours I went from feeling moderately unwell to being in a very real life-threatening emergency.

Over the last two months as the saga has unfolded, I have learned that there is a very real possibility that my life will end much sooner than I would have ever thought. It's impossible to quantify - and it all hinges on whether I respond to treatment that so far has proved ineffective.

I've come to terms with that possibility. The pain does not frighten me - I am in chronic pain as it is. What lies after death also does not frighten me. My strong belief is that there simply is nothing after death. I am comfortable with that belief - and that belief remained unshaken even when I did not know if I would see the next day's sun rise.

Whether my death comes sooner or later, I am saddened by the emotional aftermath that will be felt by family and friends, particularly my almost 10 year old son. Yet, I know that there is nothing within my power to lessen that emotional pain for those that care about me. That is something I simply must accept and move forward with all of the hope and resolve I have to regain my health.

I have no desire to die, and I'll do whatever is in my power to get through my current challenges.

I do not fear death.

[5thHorseman]

I do not believe in the afterlife and I mostly do not fear death. However, I would be unhappy to die when I had something important to do, so sometimes I fear death. By something important, I mean something family-oriented. I would hate to croak and ruin someone's big day. It's not hubris that makes me fear the impact of my death. I have a very big family and we are all very close. I know it would hurt a lot of people, so I hope I make it long enough so the little ones are big ones and everyone is psyched that the smelly old lady finally gave out, though I personally don't look forward to getting old.

But none of this is relevent as you shall be dead, therefore you would not be unhappy, just non-existant.

I totally agree though, on the not looking forward to getting old, i'm only 26 yet compared to many of my peers, I feel like i'm and old man.

[Ace Otana]

I don't believe in any afterlife and I'm not afraid to go back into oblivion. However there is one aspect of my death that I do fear. The pain my friends and family will go through when carrying my coffin. That I fear. My sis absolutely loves being around me, I can always cheer her up and make her laugh. It would be beyond agony for her to see me go.

So I don't fear being dead but I do fear going because of the huge gap I'd create by leaving. Also the whole dying process can be something worth fearing. As long as it isn't emotionally or physically painful.