fear of death

[mycatis]

Please dont laugh, I know how stupid this sounds but I'm absolutely terrified of dying. It's worse at night, I cant just go to sleep, I have to read till I fall asleep. I dont just worry, if I dont get up & do something I really freak out, major panic attacks,crying,shouting. When I was little I would end up screaming just to try and block the thoughts. I know no-one is exactly happy about the idea and there is nothing that can stop it happening but any ideas how I can deal with the fear better. Sorry to get all heavy 

[Otrere]

RevShirls - thank you. :-)

[Dom Tuk]

My father is 90 years old and in very good control of all his faculties. His mind is very sharp. Over the past few years his friends have been dying one by one. He gets news of his work colleagues from a long time ago having passed away, his relatives, friends, favourite singer/star etc. I always wonder what kind of effect this news has on him. He does go very quiet for a few days after hearing the news of a friends passing but he never discusses death. But many have commented how frail he looks. He was a lifelong teetotaller and never smoked. He is only skin and bones now but still walks about and will watch TV all day long after finishing the newspapers. I think he is just quietly waiting to die.

[Shuv007]

I am just the same as you I go to bed thinking what if I don't wake up and sometimes wake up and can't breathe and I am short of breath. You are not on your own. You just have to take the good days with the bad and try and be positive. I told my doctor that I constantly think about death and dyin he says it might be depression. wHO KNOWS ?

[mycatis]

Thank you everyone. Please dont think I'm not grateful for your replies I just didnt know anyone had answered me (AnswerBank didnt tell me for some reason)  I have taken WaldoMcFroogs advice about thinking of my place in the grand scheme of things. helps a lot cheers.  I think the main thing now is that I am a single parent, my son is 8 and adores me.  I will go and get help now that everyone has made me realise that I dont have to be ashamed of this. Again thank you everyone x x