You can Call Emergency Services or check yourself into the Emergency Department at your local hospital. If you are in crisis, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline within the USA at 988. You can live chat online at http://www. 988lifeline. org/, available 24 hours each day, 7 days each week.
When thoughts of death come to your awareness, does your body react? Does your heart race or do you feel cold, nauseous, or sick? These may be signals of anxiety.
These self-soothing behaviors might include things like reciting prayers or religious rituals triggered by fear, excessively double (or triple) checking things like locking the doors or turning off the stove, counting, tapping, or repeating words to relieve anxiety, or collecting things and not throwing things away “just in case”.
Get in touch with the emotions these thoughts are triggering. You may uncover a deep-rooted fear you may not have acknowledged, or relate back to a trauma that may be unresolved. It’s normal to feel anxious, depressed, sad, numb, or to experience lower functioning after a traumatic event. However, when the thoughts become excessive, it’s time to seek help.
Engaging in something you enjoy can help take your mind and body away from thoughts of death or any compulsions that accompany the thoughts. If you find that you feel anxious after you read the news or scroll through social media, set limits on how often you allow yourself to do those things. Try using a mindfulness practice to help yourself process these thoughts. For instance, when you find yourself thinking about death, sit with the feeling without judgment. Acknowledge it, then ask yourself questions like, “Is this just something I’m worried about, or is it a real problem? What tools do I have to deal with this?"[3] X Expert Source Jade Giffin, MA, LCAT, ATR-BCArt Psychotherapist Expert Interview. 30 October 2020.
While it’s difficult to control your thoughts, you can control your reactions and responses.
If your family has a history of heart disease or cancer, it doesn’t mean that you will die of this disease. Instead of worrying about your outcome, focus on prevention. Live a healthy lifestyle, engage socially, eat nutritious foods, exercise, and put your attention on the things that are within your control and that decrease your overall stress. [6] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source
Reflect on your relationships and ask yourself if there’s anything you can do to bring peace to those in your life. Set things straight so that you relieve yourself of guilt and can feel complete in your life. Even if you are in strong health, it’s okay to accept your mortality and make plans for the future, for your family and your friends, such as a will or custody form. It can give you some relief knowing that a plan is in order. Also, living your life in such a way that values every person and every moment can be rewarding and enjoyable.
Think about the things you want to accomplish or experience in your lifetime. When realizing your reality is finite, ask yourself, “What’s the wait in going after these things? Why not do them now?” You may find new ways to enjoy each moment.
The medical team may recommend further treatment, such as going to residential care or obtaining therapy.
If there are specific situations that you think about or places you avoid, therapy can help you with exposure and response to these situations, such as avoiding riding in cars or trains for fear of death.
Ask your medical doctor or therapist if there are any local support groups that deal with obsessive thoughts.
If you feel socially isolated, make new friends. Volunteering is a great way to help your community and meet new people that share similar interests as you. Volunteer at your local animal shelter or animal sanctuary, or with children or the elderly. [12] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source
