Beyond Death Anxiety: Achieving Life-affirming ... | Safe & Limited

The authors argue that rather than repressing death fears, individuals should strive for :

: One common defense is the "fantasy bond," an imagined connection that provides a false sense of immortality and safety. This often manifests in rigid belief systems or symbolic immortality through one’s work or children. Achieving Life-Affirming Awareness

: Firestone notes that death anxiety is often triggered not just by negative events, but also by positive ones. As we find more to value in life—such as love, achievement, or children—the fear of losing those things through death can paradoxically increase, causing some to retreat from being "fully alive" to avoid that pain.