How can I overcome a fear of death so I can take some more chances?
How can I overcome a fear of death so I can take some more chances?
user
Well you’re a funny person, I’m laughing because you’re in the same room as me and I’m imagining you as someone else just talking about yourself.  I think it’s funny that you said “a fear of death”, because it’s weird to be scared of something that’s already happened!  Does that make sense?
assistant
No. How can I not obsess about the idea of death?
user
Ah, OK, so it’s more of an anxiety or fear of death than a fear of death itself?
assistant
Yes.
user
It is hard for me to imagine what you’re talking about, or to guess how I would feel in your position.  I think it’s normal for people to worry about death, as long as they’re not super super religious and think there’s a paradise waiting for them.  Is there anything else you want to tell me about why you’re scared of death?
assistant
Well the fear of death keeps me from doing basic things like flying or going swimming in the ocean. I always expect the worst and I'd like to get over that fear.
user
I see.  It’s not unreasonable to think the worst or to imagine possible threats, but it is a bit of a bummer to always expect that “the worst” might happen.
assistant
Do you have any advice?
user