OK, I know this sounds weird, but I have read many near dealth experiences and I have never heard anyone describe having a "panic attack like feeling" when they had their near dealth experience. Unfortunately the people who have died cannot say, but that feeling we have all felt while having a panic attack, that feeling like we are going to DIE, is that an accurate feeling, why do we associate that feeling with dealth when we have not died to know the feeling. Many of the stories I have readof those who had a ND experience say that they have this blissful peaceful feeling. What is it that makes us describe the "near death feeling" during a panic attack, when we have no idea what that really feels like. I just hate it because after suffering from panic attacks for so long, it has caused me a HUGE fear of DEATH. Before we were born into this world, did we fear being born? If life and death are so natural, why do we fear the latter so much and why do we get hit with this fear at this time of our lives? I know these are very deep questions, but I am at a very deep place in my life where everything that I thought once made sense, now is so confusing and foreign..............

Debra we all sure do go through the BIG questions at this time of our life...I know I have. Certainly anxiety and panic attacks are scary and give us a feeling of the "unknown"...perhaps that is why we equate them with having a "near death" like experience!

Be at peace. Know that this is a tough physical transition you are going though. Know you are not alone...never, never alone. Know that you have family and friends that love you. Know that this WILL pass.

In the meantime, I found that distraction works really well. You may have already read this book, but if not might be worth a pick up. Elizabeth Glibert's "Eat, Pray, Love".....you may find some comfort in what she wrote...it is not a downer...very uplifting and very down to earth and funny and insightful....even if you HAVE read it, I would say pick it up again! Love to you, Joan

i beleive every one of us is born with the fear of death, god puts that in us for his purposes,to get closer to him... if we had no fear of death this world would never get populated- but i do love your deep thinking, i do that alot too....

Hi slowbear and thank you for your reply. Funny you should mention the book Eat, Pray, Love. I bought that months ago and started it but misplaced it and never finished it. I think I will look around for it while unpacking and start up again. Great idea. Debra

Hi nc, I guess along that line of thinking is also the fact if we never experienced problems or troubles in this life why would we need to turn to God. I have found that people who have a ton of money, power or prestige don't always have a faith in God. Whats that scripture about being easier for a camel to fit through the eye of a needle than a rich man entering the Kindom of God? Thanks for your imput. Good point....... Debra

We fear because we have forgotten. It is as simple as that. I sent you a private message Debra. xo

Beautifully said,
sometimes I forget Who's I am and that I am wonderfully and fearfully made. Directly from the true source of Love.........Fearfully is not the same as FEAR. Fearfully is the same as AWESOMELY, WONDEROUSLY, POWERFULLY......
That is something to remember.............................Thank you......

You got it girlfriend......be kind to yourself. xo

We have something more than our names in common Deb, I feel exactly the way you do. Up until a month ago I was just dealing with mood swings and some light headedness.

I had a very bad experience whilst out shopping with my son, I came over dizzy and hot and my legs started to shake, then I had the worse sense of impending doom, at that very moment I thought for sure my life was over, it was the most horrible feeling I have ever experienced!! I thought I was having a heart attack, scans show my heart is o.k. and the doc thinks I had a major panic attack. I would never have picked myself as being someone who would experience this!

Since then I loathe driving and going anywhere in case it happens again, I forced myself to go grocery shopping yesterday but could not go alone, I took my son and just driving there has my head spinning. I don't want to end up being a recluse, I need to be here for my son, husband and elderly parents.

My father instilled a great fear of death in me and my siblings, his rants included, if you don't do what God wants you to then you'll be thrown in the hellfire where they'll be gnashing of teeth and you can never die! so yes I'm terrified of death but try to do my best when it comes to Gods word.

I can totally sympathise with you as I'm feeling the same way, does it stop you from going out? how do you deal with the panic attacks?

My prayers are with you.....

Debra in OZ