Flashbacks of their lives as well as euphoric, mystical experiences have also been described.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
They Know They’re Dying
Dying is a natural process.
Even if your loved one doesn’t discuss their death, they most likely know it is coming.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
Family discussions may be awkward and superficial and never reach an intimate level.
In this case, the important work of mending and completing relationships may not happen.
Of those who survived, 140 were surveyed about their near-death experiences.
Often, people will lapse into acomabefore they diea deep state of unconsciousness and unresponsiveness.
People in a coma may still hear people talking even when they can no longer respond.
The findings suggest that telling a person you love them in theirfinal momentsmay register with them.
Talking About Dying
Talking about deathis rarely easy.
Many of us feel uncomfortable even saying the words “death” or “dying.”
Talking about it with a loved one who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness can be especially awkward.
Experiencing sadness with the loved one is appropriate; that’s part of life, too.
If necessary, a therapist or hospice social worker with experience in this area can make these conversations easier.
Hospice Foundation of America.Signs of approaching death.
Konopka L.Near death experience: Neuroscience perspective.Croat Med J.
New York City: Atria Books;2014.
Keeley MP.Family communication at the end of life.Behav Sci (Basel).
2017 Jul;7(3):45. doi:10.3390/bs7030045
