Death Facing fear of death

[Tornadic Thoughts]

It sounds strange to many who I share it with, but what finally eased my mind about the whole death scene is realizing that the energy that is us never dies, just the meat coated skeleton we currently inhabit. That made me feel more like I'm simply awaiting my next adventure vs. fearing a total uncertainty. I still hope I exit this existence in a non-painful and swift manner, but am pretty sure those special requests go to the same place all my special weather requests and such end up. lol Sending thoughts of comfort and wellness your way. Take good care of you.

 

[scout86]

I worry that I will stop breathing in my sleep and pass away,.. not knowing I am dead,, my spirit/soul will then be trapped and unable to process the experience.

You're right, no one alive really knows how this works, we can only speculate. My own thought is that, even when we're asleep, our brain is still functioning. I'm not sure where the soul/spirit resides, but I think it's always in a state of awareness too. So, you're body may pass in its sleep, unaware of the process, but your consciousness, the spirit/soul part of you that is "You" will be aware and know what to do. Most of the speculation I've heard about the spirit not understanding that the body is dead relates to sudden, usually violent deaths that happen so fast it's confusing. I'm not sure I, personally, believe that happens either, but who knows?

 

[Lionheart]

the energy that is us never dies

Thank you @Tornadic Thoughts , I believe this too and it is a true comfort.

. your consciousness, the spirit/soul part of you that is "You" will be aware and know what to do.

Yes, @scout86 ,
on reflection, it seems right to me that it would too ...even if it were a different state of it, it would still be consciousness, I guess,...tho perhaps more dream-like.

Thank you both.
Lion

 

[Deleted member 541]

@Lionheart777 During one of my suicide attempts, I think I crossed over. Went through a tunnel like thing with a light all around me, but brighter light at the end. When I finally (got there???). I was surrounded by, can't explain, but I'll try. Veiled like, ghost like beings, that I knew were people that I had known that had died. They stood on both sides of me and then I heard my grandfathers voice telling me that I had to go back because it wasn't my time. I said I wanted to stay, but he repeated it wasn't my time and I had to go back. Suddenly everything was rushing backwards. Then next thing I knew, was when I awoke in the hospital.

It was one of the most peaceful experiences I have ever had in my life. I don't fear death. Take care my friend...

 

[Lionheart]

Thank you for sharing @She Cat ,

...........that is very comforting to know. I too hope for a peaceful transition.

 

[Lionheart]

I found this link and wanted to share it for anyone who has anxiety and sleep apnea...

http://www.sleep-apnea-guide.com/sleep-apnea-and-anxiety.html It is helpful for me because it gives tips to avoid claustrophobic feelings when wearing a full face mask and touches on common anxiety issues when using the C-pap device for those of us with anxiety (trauma) disorders.

Unfortunately for me, one of the abuse perps placed a pillow over my face when I was being assaulted. So naturally I do not like anything placed over my face. I think the trick here is to train my mind to accept the C-pap as a life-saving device rather than a life-threatening one.

Last night I slept pretty well despite the feelings of claustrophobia.

 

[Deleted member 541]

@Lionheart777 Did you know that there are many different C-pap mask available. Many of them are not full face masks. They are designed specifically for people that can't wear full face mask. Some are geared just for the nose area....

 

[Lionheart]

Yes, thank you @She Cat , I wear a full face mask because I am a mouth breather and have a deviated septum, but I will ask about the nasal pillows when I see my respiratory therapist, as this might still be an option for me. Thank you for mentioning it!!!

*(I don't know if my sleep apnea is severe enough to warrant surgery, but that is sometimes an option as well. Losing weight is one lifestyle change that can also help improve breathing for those of us with OSA (obstructive sleep apnea).).

 

[The Albatross]

Surgery for apnea is private pay as insurers do not find that outcomes are better than 40% and can't justify the expense. I was being heavily pressured by a doctor for a 1 or 2 phase "U triple P" but when it was explained it and the stats were examined it wasn't worth mortgaging the house for.

I would think Lion, particularly since you are using O2... a mask is best for you. This is not something you'd ever discussed since receiving the right diagnosis and treatment... previously - that I recall (feeling claustrophobic)... what changed?

 

[Deleted member 541]

@Lionheart777 If you have a deviated septum, then why not just do the surgery???? It's caused from a broken nose that was never set properly. They just rebreak the nose to straighten things out!!!!!! My daughter had one and took her to the ENT and after X-ray he told me that she had probably broken her nose when she was a baby and again just recently. She had a deviated septum, had the surgery and was fine.

I too have a deviated septum, I'm a mouth breather too. I probably have sleep apnea because I snore and sometimes wake myself up gasping for air.(sometimes I wish I would just not catch my breath and just die). Don't want to go through the sleep test, too much of a hassle at this point.

 

[Lionheart]

Treatment options is one of the things I want to discuss with my Respiratory Care Therapist. I will ask about surgery, nasal masks, etc then. and see what else can be done.

 

[ladee]

Am happy to see you being very proactive to help with the fear and anxiety you have been experiencing.....

In a way, even the things that scare us can take us to a deeper level of examining our lives...and what we believe happens when our body is no longer here..... Our spirit lives on.... Two things happen for me, when I am so sad,or so hurt or scared, the times I need my mom.... I will either see a Cardinal, her favorite bird.... or butterflies.... So, to me, that is my moms spirit letting me know things will be ok.... even if it's all between my ears, it brings me peace....

And I do pray for you to have peace Lionheart..... such an elusive prize for us.... but you are taking all the necessary steps to help your self... please let us know what you find out.... sending gentle hugs.....