THE '22 TIMES

Death can essentially be referred to as the cessation of vital processes in a person. Facing impending death can evoke many emotions in a person, and these emotions can differ vastly depending on age. One of many such emotions is death anxiety, also known as thanatophobia. Thanatophobia is characterized by the fear of one’s own death or the process of dying (B. Cadman, 2018).             There can be several ways to deal with death anxiety depending on the manifestation of it in patients. These manifestations may be physical, emotional, behavioral or cognitive. The most important step in managing anxiety is recognizing that it exists. After recognizing these signs, it is important to provide medical, psychological, social and spiritual support (C. Tidy, 2015).  It is important to note that though some patients may be open about their fears, others may not. The physical manifestations of death anxiety which include insomnia, palpitations and hyperventilation, can be allevia

According to WHO, mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual recognizes his or her potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make contributions to his or her community. Research has shown that good mental health is associated with better social relationships, physical health and productivity amongst others. Poor mental health which results in mental health conditions like depression amongst others is associated with anhedonia, low productivity, isolation, loss of appetite and suicidal thoughts. Depression is a mental health condition characterized by the feeling of sadness for more than two weeks, anhedonia, withdrawal from close family and friends, lack of concentration, irritability, negative thoughts (like I’m a failure, I’m worthless or people would be better off without me), sleep problems, tiredness headaches and muscle pains amongst others. There are several causes of depression, ran