I have written many blog posts on depression and mental health. I am going to move away from that in this post and focus on another aspect of life that many of us shun, which is death. Many of us have a difficult time accepting death, however, it does not have to be difficult.

The acceptance of death is easier than you may think. After all, who doesn’t realize they are eventually going to die? The problem lies in fully accepting death and in being comfortable in talking about dying with those we love. When you are approaching the sensitive issues surrounding death with family members and loved ones can be a loving way to help everyone prepare for the eventual death of a loved one.

Most of the time, families may have a hard time accepting death. They tend to avoid discussing medical problems and chronic illnesses until they are forced, by circumstances, to face up to it. However, it is much healthier to talk about the family’s feelings about the illness or eventual death of someone who has a terminal disease ahead of time. Speaking about death puts everyone at ease and allows people to express their true wishes and communicate their worries.

Not to mention, it makes it easier for the family to adjust when the death of a loved one occurs. What needs to be done is preparation. Listed below are some tips on how to accept death.

1. If you think about it, life and death are two sides of the same coin which is difficult for us to even imagine. Both are an essential part of the process of living, and it’s often helpful to view death as a transition. Death is not the end and there are many positive ways to reframe death.

2. People need to realize that death does not have to be viewed as a terrible or awful event to be feared. Instead, death can be understood and embraced as a normal aspect of life, such as a peaceful journey, and faced in a courageous way.

3. You will want to talk to those who have gone through a life-changing Near Death Experience (NDE). Many people who have gone through it have said how beautiful and wonderful their experience was. Many NDEers after having that experience lose their fear of death and think much more positively about death.

4. Speaking about death with loved ones may seem difficult at first, but it brings a sense of relief and comfort, and is much easier to do once you start. There is no need to worry about bringing the subject up since most people will willingly talk about death, and they’ll be glad it was mentioned.

5. If you have fears and concerns about death, talking with loved ones can help. Others can help us to become stronger and more resilient, and give us a healthier framework for comprehending death, and in facing the inevitability of death. Just discussing it can make us feel better. Talk to someone who has had a near death experience. Their attitude is uplifting!

6. Go ahead and say the things you’re afraid to say. The discussion of a sensitive subject can bring about a cathartic experience. Don’t let fear keep you from following the dictates of conscience.

7. Include children in your discussion, so they are not left out and left wondering. Remember to keep the discussion developmentally appropriate.

8. Be sure to discuss wills and have them set up long before any illness occurs. Preparation is everything, as well as wishes such as burial or cremation, and type of funeral you may want. It is not morbid, it’s planning for the inevitable!

Accepting death is not difficult to do. It is easy to shove the idea under the rug because death is a very uncomfortable topic to discuss. However, after reading those tips, you will see that death is not to be feared.