What Does Dying Feel Like? 5 People Share Their Experience : The Hearty Soul

The concept of death can evoke a myriad of emotions within each of us. From sadness at losing loved ones to fear of the unknown, and even curiosity about what comes next, our final moments have long been a topic of conversation. While the question of what happens when we die remains unanswered, there are individuals who have come close enough to share their experiences. Through their stories, we can catch a rare glimpse into the profound sensation of dying. Here, five Redditors recount what it feels like to die, shedding light on this inevitable journey.¹

Death and Dying

Dr. Kathryn Mannix, a palliative care doctor in Newcastle with training in cognitive behavioral therapy², established the UK’s first clinic dedicated solely to palliative care patients. She observes that as a person nears death, they spend less time awake, gradually delving into unconsciousness for longer periods. The notion of one’s life “flashing before their eyes” may be the brain and body slowing down as death approaches.

The Cafe Incident

One Redditor had a sudden and violent encounter with death when a blood clot in his brain caused his skull to burst open. Pronounced dead, he was revived en route to the hospital, recounting a vivid experience. “Every memory you’ve ever made in your entire life will rush past you at lightning speed,” he described. As death drew near, the pain faded, but returning to life proved to be a challenging transition, one of the toughest experiences he had faced.

Dreaming in Color

Another individual likened their near-death episode to slipping into a dream-like state. Their heart stopped for a brief period, yet they felt like they were dreaming for hours. The dream was described as bright and colorful, though specifics eluded them upon awakening. They expressed a sense of peace and upliftment during the dream, followed by a gradual reawakening of their senses upon returning to consciousness.

A third Redditor had a vastly different encounter with death. They described it as a dull, insubstantial experience, feeling like they were fading and slipping away with difficulty in articulating the sensation. The return to consciousness was disorienting, akin to realizing that daily activities were merely a dream. The feeling of everything having slightly changed was unsettling yet intriguing.

A Peaceful Void

Another individual who experienced death for four minutes likened it to submerging into a peaceful, all-encompassing void. The pitch-black nothingness brought a profound sense of peace and oneness, contrasting the chaos of life left behind. This sensation left a lasting impression, making life feel somewhat off upon returning, with a longing for the tranquility experienced during death.

Surviving the Accident

The final story comes from someone who faced multiple heart stoppages after a severe accident. Amidst pain and chaos, each instance of heart stoppage led to a state of profound peace, akin to a divine presence. The tranquility experienced during death stood in stark contrast to the harsh reality of returning to life, leaving a lasting memory of the peace that could potentially exist beyond.

A Reassuring Perspective

While each story is unique, common themes of transitioning from chaos to peace emerge. Whether through memories, dreams, a void, or a divine presence, death is not always the frightening unknown we may fear. Instead, it is viewed with a sense of tranquility and peace by those who have faced it. These accounts provide a glimpse into the possible experiences of death, offering a new perspective that contrasts with the typical fear and pain associated with dying.