Death Anxiety

This course was created by the actor (and very elderly gentleman) Peter Thomas. Peter starred in many major films and acted with internationally famous actors. Peter also appeared in popular TV series in the 1960s, perhaps the most famous is Dr. Who.

It was talking about his time in Dr Who that – indirectly – lead to this course. Dr. Who ‘died’ several times and always seemed to come back albeit in a different form., Is that why he never seemed to be anxious about death?

we are all going to die and no-one knows for 100% sure what then happens – so why worry? Surely it would be better to worry about being alive as, as we all know, we can experience loss, pain, grief and despair.

This course deals with:

• The feeling of dread that many have about death
• Whether we should take life seriously
• Whether death is really ‘letting go’
• The problem of life
• Developing a healthy relationship
• Stop fearing death
• Guidance needed
• The power of questions

Throughout the course questions are asked – of you, the enrolled student. So please be prepared to participate.

It is a very short course – rather like life itself – but you are encouraged to go slowly and ponder over each lecture and any attached resources.

But, is this course really for you?

If any of the following categories resonate with you then – yes!

Individuals with Death Anxiety

• People experiencing persistent fears of death, the unknown, or existential dread.
• Individuals diagnosed with thanatophobia (fear of death) or general anxiety disorders related to mortality.
• Those who want practical tools to manage intrusive thoughts and emotions surrounding death.

2. Caregivers and Healthcare Professionals

• Caregivers for terminally ill patients or elderly individuals who want to better understand how to address death-related anxieties.
• Nurses, doctors, hospice workers, and palliative care professionals seeking strategies for supporting patients (and their own mental health) when dealing with end-of-life conversations.
• Mental health professionals who want to expand their knowledge and tools to help clients with death anxiety.

3. Individuals Facing Terminal Illness or Aging

• People with terminal illnesses who are struggling with their mortality.
• Elderly individuals who may feel anxious about the end of life and want to find peace or acceptance.
• Family members of terminally ill patients who need support in addressing their own fears and providing comfort to their loved ones.

4. Young Adults and Teenagers

• Adolescents and young adults who are beginning to grapple with existential questions about death and meaning in life.
• Students in high school or college experiencing death anxiety due to personal loss, exposure to mortality concepts, or general existential exploration.

5. Spiritual Seekers and Philosophical Thinkers

• Individuals interested in exploring existential questions, spirituality, or philosophical perspectives on death.
• People who want to find meaning and purpose in life while addressing their fears of mortality.

6. People Grieving a Loss

• Those who have recently lost loved ones and are experiencing heightened fears about death (their own or others’).
• Individuals seeking emotional tools to process grief and its connection to existential anxiety.

7. General Self-Help Audience

• Individuals interested in personal growth and self-help, who want to build resilience and reduce anxiety, including fears about death and the unknown.
• People seeking mindfulness, meditation, and grounding techniques to improve their overall mental health.

8. Parents and Educators

• Parents or teachers looking for ways to discuss death and mortality with children or students in a healthy and constructive way.
• Adults who want to model healthy coping mechanisms regarding existential fears for the younger generation.

9. Religious or Non-Religious Audiences

• People exploring spirituality or alternative perspectives on life, death, and the afterlife (e.g., religious individuals, agnostics, or atheists seeking peace with mortality).
• Those curious about how different cultural or spiritual traditions address death and dying.

10. Artists, Writers, and Creatives

• Creatives who want to explore death and mortality as a theme in their work and are seeking deeper personal insight.
• Individuals in the arts who often reflect on existential themes and want to process their own fears in a constructive way.

One more thing: WATCH THE PREVIEWS FIRST!