Fear of Dying

[Clark Park]

A friend of mine, a college professor in his late 40's, told me a couple of months ago he experienced an episode when suddenly he was overcome with the fear of death one night. He is a healthy, well adjusted and normally happy fellow. He has never had anything like a panic attack in his life before.

-Can you imagine the fear that gripped me? He asked.

- Yes, indeed! I answered. I experienced it a couple of times myself.

I think we have an instinct for survival. We want to live. It is something "wired" into our psyche. I think sooner or later most people experience a momentary panic about our impending demise.

[Grandpa Pipes]

Originally Posted by Clark Park

A friend of mine, a college professor in his late 40's, told me a couple of months ago he experienced an episode when suddenly he was overcome with the fear of death one night. He is a healthy, well adjusted and normally happy fellow. He has never had anything like a panic attack in his life before.

-Can you imagine the fear that gripped me? He asked.

- Yes, indeed! I answered. I experienced it a couple of times myself.

I think we have an instinct for survival. We want to live. It is something "wired" into our psyche. I think sooner or later most people experience a momentary panic about our impending demise.

IMO the "fear of death" is hardwired into our brain to keep us from taking risk that could kill us which would risk the human species.

Other than that this fear is manageable. The first time someone is faced with a life threat the fear goes out the window 'cause you don't have time to worry about it.

This is the difference between the seasoned combat soldier and the fresh combat solder. The seasoned vet accepts the risk and often lives cause he ain't worried about dying.