Hello! :)

I suffer from severe death anxiety. NDEs don't help me, I've lost practically all hope and I'm almost 100% sure there's nothing after we die (non-existence creeps me out).

This sub hasn't helped much, most users who post here are venting and there's not a lot of people helping and replying, so I wanted to put a small grain of salt and try to soothe you (at least a little) with some of the thoughts that have helped me!

1. We are lucky we get to die. And I don't mean this from the 'living forever is terrible angle', even though that is true. I mean it because dying implies we existed in the first place. Have you ever been afraid of non existence, like me? Well, in the scenario that you were not to die you also wouldn't have been born. That's non existence FOREVER!!! No puppies, no sun, no beach, no sky. Yes, we're all going to die. But before that happens, we get to be part of the most beautiful planet in the galaxy.

2. CHOOSE A GOOD NOW. We're going to die, that's 100% granted. You cannot control that. What you can control, though, is your present. Would you like to have a bad present, and then die OR a good present, and then die.

3. You are meaningful. Do you remember a random stranger you saw on the street once? Maybe a funny encounter you had with someone you didn't even know? Getting more personal... Has anybody done something kind for you? There is a high chance you are that funny stranger or good doer to someone else. A world without you wouldn't have those particular positive interactions. No matter how small your contribution was, you probably have made this planet better in one way or another. Maybe one of your kind actions inspired another good deed and made an infinite chain of nice-ness. That deserves to be celebrated. YOUR LIFE deserves to be celebrated and those actions are what carry on after you fade away.

4. Building a legacy. We don't know for sure if there's an afterlife or if we just die and sleep forever. However, there is one certified way of living forever, and that is through what you leave behind. Now that you're alive, ask yourself: what else can you do to make this world a better place? Or if you don't care about the world (which is fair), what would you like to build that eventually outlives you? Maybe your discomfort with mortality is just a reflection of discomfort with the life you are living. SO WHAT'S STOPPING YOU?? GO TAKE THAT KARATE CLASS, LEARN SWEDISH, MAKE THAT MUSIC VIDEO, FAIL, WIN! Be happy with what you do and impact other people through your passion.

5. The power of family. Chances are that you have people around you that would really care if you passed away. They will not forget. They will treasure you until the day they eventually pass away, too. If religious, they will go to mass and pray for your peace. If not, they might set your name as their new wifi to keep you around as an invisible energy in their apartment (yep, we did that with my grandma). Point is, they most likely will keep your memory honored and alive, whether that is through flowers, conversations or a picture of you they will keep somewhere in their home.

6. Death can be BADASS! Through this statement, I'm not encouraging you to throw yourself into a volcano. What I mean to say is, you can arrange your funeral in advance (whether that is legally or through word of mouth) in order through symbolically be present during the process. I'm sure your family members would be happy to honor your wishes, too, so make them clear! Wanna record a video they can show at your funeral? Do you NOT want a funeral? Would you like a party/celebration in your honor? If you do want a funeral, how do you want it to represent YOU? My point is, you can spice things up a little for your loved onces even after you're gone.

7. GO OUTSIDE*.* I'm guessing your fear of death has led to a lot of self-reflexion (at least I hope so). Take your time to think about the intricacies of life, death and legacy. Then, take a walk, talk to friends, be kind AND LIVE!

8. (Extra) Pieces of media. Like I mentioned previously, whenever one mentions fear of death, NDEs, after-death communications, between others are always suggested. Those don't work for me! However, MCR's 3rd album 'Welcome to the black parade' and Broadway Musical 'Hamilton' (available on Disney+) have helped me reflect upon my own mortality and legacy. Give those a shot if you're interested in a fun time + good quality content + a more 'positive' (?) outlook on death.

Note: Sorry if I rambled a bit! I hope this is at least a bit helpful to someone out there. I'm also going through a bad time so I'm open to your advice.