Understanding the History of Death and Why It Became the Number One Fear

For many of us, the concept of death brings a deep sense of fear. But how did something so natural become the number one fear worldwide? This blog explores the history of our relationship with death, how we’ve lost touch with its meaning, and how we can transform our understanding to live fuller lives.

1. The Historical View of Death
   For thousands of years, death was viewed as a sacred rite of passage. Cultures such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Indigenous tribes all celebrated death as part of life’s journey. Death wasn’t seen as a final end but as a transition—whether to an afterlife, reincarnation, or another spiritual realm. This reverence allowed people to approach death with a sense of acceptance and preparation, much like other pivotal life events, such as birth and marriage.
2. The Shift in Modern Times
   Over the last century, the advancements in medical science have changed the way we approach death. While it is incredible that we’ve learned how to extend life, we’ve also forgotten that death is a natural part of our existence. Medical professionals are often tasked with the impossible—being asked to “fix” something that is inevitable. This has transformed death from a natural, accepted part of life into something to be feared, avoided, and resisted at all costs.
3. Fear and Denial of Death
   Today, many families deny their loved ones the opportunity to talk about death openly. As a hospice nurse, I have seen families tell me, “Don’t tell my mom she’s dying,” and in the same breath, the dying patient says, “Don’t tell my family I’m dying.” This avoidance prevents people from having meaningful conversations that can lead to closure, acceptance, and, ultimately, a peaceful death. Denying death robs us of the chance to experience it as it once was: a sacred, supported, and holistic passage.
4. Death as a Second Birth
   What if we could view death not as an end but as a second birth? Many ancient cultures believed that death was just another chapter in our spiritual journey. If we shift our perspective and start to view death as a natural progression, we can approach it with less fear and more acceptance. Instead of fearing the unknown, we can see it as a graduation to the next phase of existence, full of potential for spiritual rebirth.
5. How We Can Reclaim a Peaceful Death
   With the right education and support, death can be a peaceful and transformative experience. It is vital that we equip not just medical professionals but also families with the knowledge and emotional tools to handle end-of-life care with compassion. When patients and their families are empowered to make informed choices, focusing on symptom management and emotional well-being, the end-of-life experience becomes less about extending death and more about embracing the time we have left.

We have the power to change the narrative around death, returning to a place where it is seen as a natural part of life. By embracing open conversations, educating ourselves, and supporting each other, we can remove the fear that surrounds death and approach it with acceptance, love, and grace.

Resources:

To register and join us for the Good Death Seminar Series, click here

The Good Death Book, now available for pre-order

Listen to the full Ask a Death Doula Podcast episode on Youtube, click here. 

Click here to register for the next FREE Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training! 

This 90-minute webinar training is the best way to learn the essential skills to care for someone who is dying based on the Doulagivers 3 Phases of End of Life Model of Care. Join the Movement, Learn the Skill, Change the World! 

Do you have the calling to become a Doulagiver Death Doula and serve end of life patients and their families as a professional?

Click here to register for the next FREE Doulagivers Institute Discovery Webinar for End of Life Practitioners!

During this hour long webinar, we will help you find out if becoming a Doulagiver Practitioner is right for you! 

Discover how you can become a Doulagiver without having a medical background or any prior end of life care experience. We will cover everything you need to know from the extensive training curriculum, how to price your services, and share our 3-step business blueprint to teach you how to reach your community with your new offering and be able to do it all with little to no money. If you have the calling, Suzanne and the Doulagivers Team will teach you EVERYTHING you need to know!

Need help with something else? Send us an email to support@doulagivers.com