If this feeling came on suddenly with chest pain, shortness of breath, pain spreading to your arm, jaw or back, fainting, or feeling very unwell, call 911 or your local emergency number now. A sense of doom can be a symptom of a heart attack or another emergency. If you are thinking about ending your life, call or text 988 (US) or your local crisis line.
A strong feeling that you are about to die, or that something terrible is about to happen, is frightening. For many people it is linked to anxiety or panic, and it passes. This article explains the common causes, when the feeling needs urgent help, and ways to cope.
Common reasons for a sense of impending doom
Panic attacks
A panic attack is a sudden rush of intense fear, often with a racing heart, sweating, shaking, breathlessness and a feeling that you are dying or losing control. It usually peaks within about 10 minutes. Panic attacks are very frightening, but they are not dangerous in themselves.
Anxiety
Long-term worry can keep your body on high alert, and thoughts about death or illness can become hard to shake off.
Health anxiety
Some people worry a lot about having a serious illness, even after tests and reassurance. Searching symptoms online often makes it worse.
Depression
Depression can bring dark thoughts, including thoughts about death. If these include thoughts of ending your life, please get help now.
Fear of death
Some fear of death is a normal part of being human. When it becomes overwhelming and gets in the way of daily life, it is sometimes called death anxiety or thanatophobia, and it can be treated.
Physical health problems
A heart attack, a blood clot in the lungs, a severe allergic reaction and other emergencies can all cause a sudden feeling of doom. Some thyroid problems, low blood sugar, caffeine, and certain medicines or drugs can also cause anxiety-like symptoms.
When to get help
- Call 911 or your local emergency number for the physical warning signs at the top of this page.
- See a doctor if the feeling keeps coming back, if you have panic attacks, or if worries about dying affect your sleep, work or relationships.
- Call or text 988 (US) any time you have thoughts of harming yourself.
Ways to cope in the moment
- Breathe slowly: in through your nose for a count of 4, and out through your mouth for a count of 6.
- Ground yourself: name 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell and 1 you can taste.
- Remind yourself that panic peaks and then passes.
- Stay where you are if it is safe, and let the wave go by rather than fighting it.
- Afterwards, do something gentle, such as a short walk or a warm drink.
Longer-term steps that help
- Talk to your doctor, who can check for physical causes and discuss treatment.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) works well for panic and anxiety for many people.
- Medicines can help some people, alongside therapy.
- Regular sleep and exercise, and less caffeine and alcohol, can lower anxiety.
- Talk to people you trust about how you feel.
- Limit searching symptoms online and reading distressing news.
Common questions
Can a life event trigger a fear of dying?
Yes. A bereavement, an illness, a frightening experience or a big life change such as becoming a parent can all bring thoughts about death to the surface.
Is it normal to think about death sometimes?
Yes. It becomes a concern when the thoughts are constant, very distressing, or get in the way of everyday life.
Will this feeling go away?
For most people, yes. With the right support and treatment, panic and anxiety usually improve a great deal.
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