How does one overcome a fear of death?

[Audrey]

My 19-year-old daughter has recently shared with me that she is afraid of dying. Can you recommend some reading for her? I should warn you, however, that she dislikes reading – especially when I give her things to read! – probably as a result of her slight reading disability. Therefore, whatever I try to share with her will need to be very basic and simply written so she is not overwhelmed.

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

Given your daughter’s dislike for reading and the complicated nature of her fear (people can fear death for a variety of reasons, each of which would require a personalized approach), it is difficult for me as an outsider to make a reading recommendation specially geared toward her needs. Instead, I recommend suggesting that she talk with a priest or religious whose orthodoxy and pastoral manner you trust. If you need help with a recommendation, I suggest calling your diocese for a referral to a spiritual director.

If the fear is of such a nature that it requires the assistance of a mental health practitioner, I recommend contacting the Pastoral Solutions Institute or CatholicTherapists.com for a referral to a Catholic-friendly counselor in your area.