6 ms·

Something I wish was more common is some type of therapy for treating death anxiety. I read somewhere that LSD can reduce the fear of death[0]. I can think of f

by vslira 8y ago

Something I wish was more common is some type of therapy for treating death anxiety. I read somewhere that LSD can reduce the fear of death[0]. I can think of few things I’d like more in life than not being afraid to cease to exist[1] in my deathbed. I suppose those going through terrible terminal illnesses suffer enough to accept death over the suffering, but I don’t see why one should need to experience such extremes to accept the inevitable. [0] That’s a big maybe, don’t go around self medicating serious issues based on unsourced comments on unregulated drugs [1] I know religion or philosopy can sometimes fill this gap, but let’s remember those who are skeptical or didn’t have a lot of time to prepare

wpietri 8y ago
I had one parent die from brain cancer in 2011, and another was just diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor, so this is on my mind. Honestly, I don't think this is a problem specifically for the person with the terminal illness. So much of the difficulty comes from everybody else. American culture does not prepare people to face death, either their own or of loved ones. So a lot of my energy goes in to helping other people manage their feelings at a time when I don't have energy to spare. I want other people to take LSD or do Zen retreats or serve at a hospice or whatever they need to do so they can manage their own death anxiety. Speaking of which, I strongly recommend the "ring theory of grief" article. The gist is that if bad shit is happening to somebody, you help them rather than imposing on them. It sounds obvious, but I promise that it's unfortunately rare. Here's the article: http://articles.latimes.com/2013/apr/07/opinion/la-oe-0407-silk-ring-theory-20130407 http://articles.latimes.com/2013/apr/07/opinion/la-oe-0407-s...
- Omnus 8y ago
  I'm skeptical that any of those things actually "prepare" people to face death in the first place. Feeling like you're "prepared" weeks, months, or years before the final hours of your self or a loved one does not necessarily translate to those final moments when you are actually going through it.
  - hanshan 8y ago
    It's pretty well documented how terrified western culture is of death relative to others. The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell is an excellent book which goes into insightful detail on this subject.
    - Omnus 8y ago
      Terrified is the wrong word. Western culture simply understands the reality of the situation. Sure, you can delude an entire society with fairy tales and they will feel better about dying...that's not a virtue though.
      - reitanqild 8y ago
        >Western culture simply understands the reality of the situation. You mean not waking up again? I don't see what is so worrying about that? If one truly believe there's nothing after this life I'd think one should be very calm? Edit: to be clear, I'm a Christian, - I just happen to be puzzled by why non-religious people are afraid of death (except for worrying about their loved ones and the pain of dying that is.)
        Baeocystin 8y ago
        >If one truly believe there's nothing after this life I'd think one should be very calm? At the very least, most people feel a sense of responsibility towards their loved ones, and knowing they will no longer be around to take care of them is a significant source of stress. That is how it was for my father. And if it ever comes to pass where I am terminal but still lucid, it will be the primary source of my frustration as well.
        hanshan 8y ago
        Is the goal of parents raising children not to prepare them to be adults that can take care of themselves? That's the problem with "helicopter parents", they hold on so selfishly to their role as a parent that they stunt their children's growth and atrophy their capacity for autonomy. There comes a point in all our lives where we become so old that we become burdensome. If the old never died, there wouldn't be room or resources for new life and ideas to be born and grow. In that sense, it is honorable to meet death, because you are making room for new life.
- baxtr 8y ago
  The "Ring of grief" concept you mentioned is great. Thanks for sharing
karcass 8y ago
Michael Pollan just wrote a book about psychedelics, including the studies that show efficacy around reducing the anxiety of terminal illness. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/may/22/how-to-change-mind-new-science-psychedelics-michael-pollan-review https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/may/22/how-to-change-...

by vslira 8y ago

wpietri 8y ago

I had one parent die from brain cancer in 2011, and another was just diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor, so this is on my mind. Honestly, I don't think this is a problem specifically for the person with the terminal illness. So much of the difficulty comes from everybody else. American culture does not prepare people to face death, either their own or of loved ones. So a lot of my energy goes in to helping other people manage their feelings at a time when I don't have energy to spare. I want other people to take LSD or do Zen retreats or serve at a hospice or whatever they need to do so they can manage their own death anxiety. Speaking of which, I strongly recommend the "ring theory of grief" article. The gist is that if bad shit is happening to somebody, you help them rather than imposing on them. It sounds obvious, but I promise that it's unfortunately rare. Here's the article: http://articles.latimes.com/2013/apr/07/opinion/la-oe-0407-silk-ring-theory-20130407 http://articles.latimes.com/2013/apr/07/opinion/la-oe-0407-s...

Omnus 8y ago
I'm skeptical that any of those things actually "prepare" people to face death in the first place. Feeling like you're "prepared" weeks, months, or years before the final hours of your self or a loved one does not necessarily translate to those final moments when you are actually going through it.
- hanshan 8y ago
  It's pretty well documented how terrified western culture is of death relative to others. The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell is an excellent book which goes into insightful detail on this subject.
  - Omnus 8y ago
    Terrified is the wrong word. Western culture simply understands the reality of the situation. Sure, you can delude an entire society with fairy tales and they will feel better about dying...that's not a virtue though.
    - reitanqild 8y ago
      >Western culture simply understands the reality of the situation. You mean not waking up again? I don't see what is so worrying about that? If one truly believe there's nothing after this life I'd think one should be very calm? Edit: to be clear, I'm a Christian, - I just happen to be puzzled by why non-religious people are afraid of death (except for worrying about their loved ones and the pain of dying that is.)
      - Baeocystin 8y ago
        >If one truly believe there's nothing after this life I'd think one should be very calm? At the very least, most people feel a sense of responsibility towards their loved ones, and knowing they will no longer be around to take care of them is a significant source of stress. That is how it was for my father. And if it ever comes to pass where I am terminal but still lucid, it will be the primary source of my frustration as well.
        hanshan 8y ago
        Is the goal of parents raising children not to prepare them to be adults that can take care of themselves? That's the problem with "helicopter parents", they hold on so selfishly to their role as a parent that they stunt their children's growth and atrophy their capacity for autonomy. There comes a point in all our lives where we become so old that we become burdensome. If the old never died, there wouldn't be room or resources for new life and ideas to be born and grow. In that sense, it is honorable to meet death, because you are making room for new life.
baxtr 8y ago
The "Ring of grief" concept you mentioned is great. Thanks for sharing

karcass 8y ago

Michael Pollan just wrote a book about psychedelics, including the studies that show efficacy around reducing the anxiety of terminal illness. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/may/22/how-to-change-mind-new-science-psychedelics-michael-pollan-review https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/may/22/how-to-change-...