We’re all going to die someday, but confronting that reality can be… intense.
If you love your life and the people in it, the thought that you one day won’t be around to, you know, live it anymore is scary, stressful, and really depressing. However, we all have to come to terms with the idea of our own impermanence at some point, even if it’s unsettling. When you start feeling overwhelmed about your own mortality, here are things you can do to feel a bit calmer and more at peace with the idea.
1. Acknowledge your feelings without judgement.
It’s okay to feel uneasy, scared, or even sad when dying crosses your mind. Allow yourself to sit with these emotions instead of pushing them away, especially because suppressing them often makes them stronger. Recognising your feelings without judgement is the first step toward understanding them.
2. Talk to someone you trust.
Sharing your thoughts with a close friend, family member, or therapist can help you process them. Often, simply speaking the words aloud can make them feel less overwhelming. You’ll likely find comfort in knowing you’re not alone in these feelings.
3. Focus on the present moment.
Mortality thoughts often pull you into an uncertain future. Grounding yourself in the here and now through mindfulness, deep breathing, or observing your surroundings can help anchor you. The present is where life truly happens, so lean into it fully.
4. Explore your beliefs about life and death.
Reflecting on your personal beliefs, whether spiritual, philosophical, or scientific, can provide clarity and comfort. Understanding what you believe about life’s purpose and what comes after can help make the unknown feel less daunting. If needed, explore resources or communities that align with your beliefs.
5. Find meaning in your daily life.
Anxiety about death and dying often arise from a desire for purpose. Focus on activities, relationships, and goals that bring you meaning and fulfilment. By investing in what matters most, you’ll feel more connected to the life you’re living now.
6. Limit exposure to triggering media.
News, movies, or books that centre around death can amplify overwhelming feelings. Give yourself permission to step back from content that intensifies your worries. Instead, look for more uplifting or soothing material that helps shift your focus.
7. Practise gratitude daily.
Gratitude helps you appreciate the richness of the life you’re living right now. Writing down even small things you’re thankful for can shift your mindset from fear to appreciation. Over time, this practice can help you see life as a gift rather than something to fear losing.
8. Create something tangible.
Whether it’s journaling, painting, gardening, or crafting, creating something gives you a sense of control and permanence. These acts remind you that your life leaves a mark, no matter how small. Engaging in creative expression can also be deeply therapeutic.
9. Spend time in nature.
Nature has a way of putting things into perspective. Witnessing the cycles of life—flowers blooming, leaves falling, waves crashing—can remind you of the natural order of things. Being outside also has a calming effect on the mind, helping to ease anxious thoughts.
10. Extend compassion to yourself.
It’s easy to be hard on yourself for feeling overwhelmed, but everyone has these moments. Treat yourself with kindness, as you would a close friend. Acknowledge that grappling with death is a part of being human, and that it’s okay to take time to process it.
11. Connect with people who share similar experiences.
Joining a support group or community that discusses existential concerns can be incredibly validating. Hearing how other people process and move past these feelings might give you new perspectives or coping strategies. Shared understanding can make these thoughts feel less isolating.
12. Engage in acts of kindness.
Helping other people can shift your focus from inward worries to outward connection. Volunteering or simply offering a kind gesture to someone in need creates a sense of purpose and belonging. It’s a reminder that small acts can have a big impact, even in the face of life’s uncertainties.
13. Reflect on what you’ve already achieved.
Looking back at your life and acknowledging the milestones, relationships, and experiences you’ve had can be grounding. Mortality thoughts often focus on what’s left to do, but reflecting on your journey so far reminds you of how much you’ve already lived. Celebrate the legacy you’re already building.
14. Talk to a therapist if you’re truly struggling.
If thoughts of death and dying become overwhelming or interfere with your daily life, talking to a therapist or counsellor can provide relief. Professionals can offer tools to navigate these feelings in a healthy, constructive way. There’s no shame in getting help — your mental health is worth prioritising. While thinking about dying is a natural part of life, it doesn’t have to feel all-consuming (and it really shouldn’t).
