How to cope with, and learn from, a near-death experience

Close brushes with death can be deeply traumatizing. But for some, they can also be the impetus for growth, change, and enlightenment. If you are someone who has had such an experience, it is important to find healthy ways of coping and learning from this experience. Here are a few ways to do so.

Seeking Professional Help 

If you have had a near-death experience, it’s very possible that it’s had a severe impact on your physical and mental health. While physical injuries are taken seriously (as they should be), mental well-being is unfortunately often neglected. But it is essential for you to seek help from both doctors as well as mental health professionals.

As doctors assist you in healing injuries, you will also greatly benefit from seeking help for the trauma you may be experiencing. Studies have shown that there are numerous benefits of seeking mental health support for those who have a near-death experience. Many people express feeling validated through such support. They begin to understand that their trauma and fear is not an over-reaction at all, but a valid, understandable response. By seeking mental health support, you will be able to find a safe place to discuss your feelings and feel accepted.

Learning From the Experience

Moreover, while such experiences can have adverse effects on you, you can also find some positivity by turning it into a source of personal growth. Many people who have had near-death experiences have shared that they learned valuable lessons that have enriched their lives. 

For instance, after their close encounter with death, they became more grateful for their life, and for everything and everyone they have in their life. Taking inspiration from this, you can practice being more appreciative of your life and loved ones, thereby learning to enjoy life more fully.

How to Spend Your Time

After a near-death experience, people become more conscious of the fact that their time is limited. They start to realize how important it is to spend their time more wisely. Understanding this, you should try to spend more time with people you care about, and doing things you enjoy! Choose to focus on relationships that grace your life with peace and fulfillment. Try distancing yourself from people and habits that bring only negativity to your life.

Near-death experiences often become a motivation for people to do more good with the time that they have in their lives. They become kinder, more compassionate, and help others. They spend more time volunteering and supporting their community. This is a very positive and thoughtful way of dealing with a near-death experience. You too can try out various ways of supporting your community, such as donating and volunteering. 

As you follow the tips above, remember to take it easy. Progress in recovery may feel slow, but it will eventually help you get better!

— Akshita Goswami