{"formatVersion":"1.1","id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared","path":"/answers/im-scared","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared","title":"What should I do if I’m scared?","family":"Answers detail","description":"A parent is frightened by persistent intrusive thoughts about their own death and the deaths of loved ones.","language":"en-US","access":{"audience":"custom-shared-preview","indexable":true},"provenance":{"sourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/answers/im-scared","wordpressId":"6184","contentCompleteness":"complete","dateScope":"original-source"},"authors":[{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz#person","name":"Allan Schwartz, Ph.D.","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz"}],"reviewer":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson#person","name":"Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson"},"dates":{"datePublished":"2024-06-01T00:35:13Z","dateModified":"2025-09-07T08:38:02Z","lastReviewed":"2025-09-15"},"content":{"html":"<nav class=\"breadcrumbs\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\"><ol><li><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/\">Home</a></li><li><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers\">Answers</a></li><li><span aria-current=\"page\">What should I do if I’m scared?</span></li></ol></nav><div class=\"article-page answer-page\" data-answer-template=\"conversation\"><header class=\"answer-heading article-heading\"><a class=\"answer-back\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers\">Answers</a><h1>What should I do if I’m scared?</h1><div class=\"answer-credits\"><a class=\"answer-credit-person\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" loading=\"lazy\"><span><span class=\"answer-credit-role\">Written by</span><span class=\"answer-credit-name\">Allan Schwartz, Ph.D.</span></span></a><a class=\"answer-credit-person\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9210.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" loading=\"lazy\"><span><span class=\"answer-credit-role\">Medically reviewed by</span><span class=\"answer-credit-name\">Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.</span></span></a></div><dl class=\"answer-heading-dates\"><div><dt>Published</dt><dd><time datetime=\"2024-06-01T00:35:13Z\">June 1, 2024</time></dd></div><div><dt>Updated</dt><dd><time datetime=\"2025-09-07T08:38:02Z\">September 7, 2025</time></dd></div><div><dt>Reviewed</dt><dd><time datetime=\"2025-09-15\">September 15, 2025</time></dd></div></dl></header><nav class=\"answer-nav\" aria-label=\"Answer navigation\"><a href=\"#summary\">Summary</a><a href=\"#question\">Question</a><a href=\"#answer\">Answer</a></nav><article class=\"prose\" id=\"article-content\" data-answer-thread aria-label=\"Reader question and professional response\"><section class=\"answer-overview\" id=\"summary\" aria-labelledby=\"summary-title\"><h2 id=\"summary-title\">Summary</h2><figure class=\"answer-question-image\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/answers/im-scared-20261003.webp\" alt=\"A parent and child gathering daisies in a garden.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" fetchpriority=\"high\"></figure><p>A parent is frightened by persistent intrusive thoughts about their own death and the deaths of loved ones. The thoughts are difficult to stop and interfere with their wish to be present for their children.</p><p>The response recommends seeking a licensed therapist, particularly one who uses cognitive behavioral therapy.</p><p>It considers anxiety or depression as possible explanations and notes that life stresses might intensify the experience without establishing the cause.</p><p>A medical or psychiatric referral for medication may be considered by the treating professional, and the answer encourages reaching out rather than continuing alone.</p></section><div class=\"answer-originals\" id=\"original-conversation\"><div class=\"answer-originals-body\"><section class=\"answer-post answer-question\" id=\"question\" aria-labelledby=\"question-person\"><div class=\"answer-avatar answer-reader\" aria-hidden=\"true\">?</div><div class=\"answer-post-content\"><header class=\"answer-person\"><h2 id=\"question-person\">Question</h2><span>Reader · Identity withheld</span></header><p>I have no idea why this started but I am always thinking about death, mine, my husband’s and my kids, everyone’s. I can’t get it out of my head and I am really scared. At the same time I kinda feel like, \"whats the point when we are all just dying anyway.\" I just want to be here for my kids. I feel so scared all of the time. Please help me.</p></div></section><section class=\"answer-post answer-response\" id=\"answer\" aria-labelledby=\"response-person\"><a class=\"answer-avatar\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz\" aria-label=\"View Allan Schwartz, Ph.D. profile\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"44\" height=\"44\" loading=\"lazy\"></a><div class=\"answer-post-content\"><header class=\"answer-person\"><h2 id=\"response-person\">Answer</h2><span>Allan Schwartz, Ph.D.</span></header><p>The fact that you feel scared about these intrusive thought means that you need to see a psychotherapist. I would recommend a licensed clinical psychologist or licensed clinical social worker and who specializes in the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT).</p>\n<p>What you are describing may be symptomatic of an anxiety disorder, depression or both. The psycho social stresses in your life, whatever they may be, could be fueling these intense thoughts and feelings.</p>\n<p>Today, there is plenty that people are feeling worried about. The state of the economy and the financial situation at home and when raising children is certainly very difficult. I have no way of knowing how much these things are affecting you. If they are, they may not be the route cause of your problems, but could contribute to whatever emotional struggles you are going through.</p>\n<p>Do not wait to seek help. It is entirely possible that the therapist you see may recommend medication on a temporary basis and, therefore, refer you to a psychiatrist or to your family physician. The sooner you reach out for help, and you have now started, the sooner you will feel better.</p>\n<p>Good Luck</p></div></section></div></div></article><div class=\"answer-endmatter\"><section class=\"article-expert answer-expert-card\" aria-label=\"Subject matter expert\" data-expert-kind=\"related\"><a class=\"answer-card-avatar\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/carlos-protzel\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/13152.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\"></a><div class=\"answer-expert-copy\"><p class=\"article-bio-role\">Subject matter expert</p><h2><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/carlos-protzel\">Carlos Protzel <span class=\"expert-credentials\">Psy.D.</span></a></h2><p class=\"article-expert-focus\">Integrative mental health care</p><a class=\"profile-experience-link experience-button\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/carlos-protzel\">View experience</a></div></section><section class=\"article-topic-community\" aria-label=\"Related communities\"><img class=\"topic-community-banner\" src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-11831.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" loading=\"lazy\"><p class=\"topic-community-label\">Related communities</p><h2>Family Health</h2><p>Connect around family relationships, shared experiences, and well-being at home.</p><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/community/family-health\">Explore community</a></section><section class=\"answer-author-card answer-reviewer-card\"><a class=\"answer-card-avatar\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\"></a><div><span class=\"answer-reviewer-label\">Author</span><h2><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz\">Allan Schwartz, Ph.D.</a></h2><p>Allan Schwartz, LCSW, Ph.D., is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of private practice experience.</p><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz\" class=\"profile-experience-link experience-button\">View experience</a></div></section><section class=\"answer-author-card answer-reviewer-card\"><a class=\"answer-card-avatar\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9210.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\"></a><div><span class=\"answer-reviewer-label\">Medical reviewer</span><h2><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson\">Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.</a></h2><p>Jesse Hanson, Ph.D., is a clinical and somatic psychologist with over 20 years of experience in neuropsychology, specializing in integrative, mind-body…</p><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson\" class=\"profile-experience-link experience-button\">View experience</a></div></section><section class=\"answer-related\"><h2>Related questions</h2><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/scared-of-hurting-him\">What should I do if I’m scared of hurting him?</a><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/never-had-a-relationship\">Why am I so shy and scared of rejection?</a><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/will-my-boyfriend-eventually-hit-me\">Will my boyfriend eventually hit me?</a></section></div></div>","text":"HomeAnswersWhat should I do if I’m scared?AnswersWhat should I do if I’m scared?Written byAllan Schwartz, Ph.D.Medically reviewed byJesse Hanson, Ph.D.PublishedJune 1, 2024UpdatedSeptember 7, 2025ReviewedSeptember 15, 2025SummaryQuestionAnswerSummaryA parent is frightened by persistent intrusive thoughts about their own death and the deaths of loved ones. The thoughts are difficult to stop and interfere with their wish to be present for their children.The response recommends seeking a licensed therapist, particularly one who uses cognitive behavioral therapy.It considers anxiety or depression as possible explanations and notes that life stresses might intensify the experience without establishing the cause.A medical or psychiatric referral for medication may be considered by the treating professional, and the answer encourages reaching out rather than continuing alone.?QuestionReader · Identity withheldI have no idea why this started but I am always thinking about death, mine, my husband’s and my kids, everyone’s. I can’t get it out of my head and I am really scared. At the same time I kinda feel like, \"whats the point when we are all just dying anyway.\" I just want to be here for my kids. I feel so scared all of the time. Please help me.AnswerAllan Schwartz, Ph.D.The fact that you feel scared about these intrusive thought means that you need to see a psychotherapist. I would recommend a licensed clinical psychologist or licensed clinical social worker and who specializes in the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT). What you are describing may be symptomatic of an anxiety disorder, depression or both. The psycho social stresses in your life, whatever they may be, could be fueling these intense thoughts and feelings. Today, there is plenty that people are feeling worried about. The state of the economy and the financial situation at home and when raising children is certainly very difficult. I have no way of knowing how much these things are affecting you. If they are, they may not be the route cause of your problems, but could contribute to whatever emotional struggles you are going through. Do not wait to seek help. It is entirely possible that the therapist you see may recommend medication on a temporary basis and, therefore, refer you to a psychiatrist or to your family physician. The sooner you reach out for help, and you have now started, the sooner you will feel better. Good LuckSubject matter expertCarlos Protzel Psy.D.Integrative mental health careView experienceRelated communitiesFamily HealthConnect around family relationships, shared experiences, and well-being at home.Explore communityAuthorAllan Schwartz, Ph.D.Allan Schwartz, LCSW, Ph.D., is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of private practice experience.View experienceMedical reviewerJesse Hanson, Ph.D.Jesse Hanson, Ph.D., is a clinical and somatic psychologist with over 20 years of experience in neuropsychology, specializing in integrative, mind-body…View experienceRelated questionsWhat should I do if I’m scared of hurting him?Why am I so shy and scared of rejection?Will my boyfriend eventually hit me?","wordCount":471},"schema":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization","name":"MentalHealth.com","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#website","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/","name":"MentalHealth.com","inLanguage":"en-US","publisher":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization"}},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Answers","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"What should I do if I’m scared?","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared"}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared#primaryimage","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/answers/im-scared-20261003.webp","contentUrl":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/answers/im-scared-20261003.webp","width":1000,"height":667,"encodingFormat":"image/webp","caption":"A parent and child gathering daisies in a garden."},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz#person","name":"Allan Schwartz, Ph.D.","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz","jobTitle":"LCSW, Ph.D.","image":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9429.jpg"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson#person","name":"Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson","jobTitle":"Clinical Affairs Director","image":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9210.jpg","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-hanson-phd-7215216/"]},{"@type":"Article","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared#article","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared","headline":"What should I do if I’m scared?","description":"A parent is frightened by persistent intrusive thoughts about their own death and the deaths of loved ones.","wordCount":368,"mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared#webpage"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization"},"articleSection":"Answers","inLanguage":"en-US","datePublished":"2024-06-01T00:35:13Z","dateModified":"2025-09-07T08:38:02Z","author":[{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz#person"}],"image":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared#primaryimage"},"hasPart":[{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared#question"},{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared#answer"}]},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared#question","name":"What should I do if I’m scared?","text":"I have no idea why this started but I am always thinking about death, mine, my husband’s and my kids, everyone’s. I can’t get it out of my head and I am really scared. At the same time I kinda feel like, \"whats the point when we are all just dying anyway.\" I just want to be here for my kids. I feel so scared all of the time. Please help me.","acceptedAnswer":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared#answer"},"inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared#question","answerCount":1},{"@type":"Answer","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared#answer","text":"The fact that you feel scared about these intrusive thought means that you need to see a psychotherapist. I would recommend a licensed clinical psychologist or licensed clinical social worker and who specializes in the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT). What you are describing may be symptomatic of an anxiety disorder, depression or both. The psycho social stresses in your life, whatever they may be, could be fueling these intense thoughts and feelings. Today, there is plenty that people are feeling worried about. The state of the economy and the financial situation at home and when raising children is certainly very difficult. I have no way of knowing how much these things are affecting you. If they are, they may not be the route cause of your problems, but could contribute to whatever emotional struggles you are going through. Do not wait to seek help. It is entirely possible that the therapist you see may recommend medication on a temporary basis and, therefore, refer you to a psychiatrist or to your family physician. The sooner you reach out for help, and you have now started, the sooner you will feel better. Good Luck","author":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz#person"},"inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared#answer"},{"@type":"MedicalWebPage","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared#webpage","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared","name":"What should I do if I’m scared?","description":"A parent is frightened by persistent intrusive thoughts about their own death and the deaths of loved ones.","inLanguage":"en-US","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#website"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared#breadcrumb"},"mainEntity":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared#article"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization"},"medicalAudience":{"@type":"MedicalAudience","audienceType":"General public"},"datePublished":"2024-06-01T00:35:13Z","dateModified":"2025-09-07T08:38:02Z","lastReviewed":"2025-09-15","primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared#primaryimage"},"reviewedBy":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson#person"}}]},"representations":{"html":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared","json":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/data/answers/im-scared.json","jsonLd":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/data/answers/im-scared.ld.json"},"$schema":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/data/page.schema.json","images":[{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9429.jpg","alt":"","width":40,"height":40},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9210.jpg","alt":"","width":40,"height":40},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/answers/im-scared-20261003.webp","alt":"A parent and child gathering daisies in a garden.","width":1000,"height":667},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/13152.jpeg","alt":"","width":64,"height":64},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-11831.webp","alt":"","width":48,"height":48}],"sections":[{"id":"summary-title","title":"Summary","level":2,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared#summary-title"},{"id":"question-person","title":"Question","level":2,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared#question-person"},{"id":"response-person","title":"Answer","level":2,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared#response-person"}],"references":[],"relatedReading":[],"links":[{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/","label":"Home"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers","label":"Answers"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers","label":"Answers"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz","label":"Written byAllan Schwartz, Ph.D."},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson","label":"Medically reviewed byJesse Hanson, Ph.D."},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared#summary","label":"Summary"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared#question","label":"Question"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared#answer","label":"Answer"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz","label":""},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/carlos-protzel","label":""},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/carlos-protzel","label":"Carlos Protzel Psy.D."},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/carlos-protzel","label":"View experience"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/community/family-health","label":"Explore community"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz","label":""},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz","label":"Allan Schwartz, Ph.D."},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz","label":"View experience"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson","label":""},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson","label":"Jesse Hanson, Ph.D."},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson","label":"View experience"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/scared-of-hurting-him","label":"What should I do if I’m scared of hurting him?"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/never-had-a-relationship","label":"Why am I so shy and scared of rejection?"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/will-my-boyfriend-eventually-hit-me","label":"Will my boyfriend eventually hit me?"}],"conversation":{"status":"complete","summary":{"question":"A parent is frightened by persistent intrusive thoughts about their own death and the deaths of loved ones. The thoughts are difficult to stop and interfere with their wish to be present for their children.","answer":"The response recommends seeking a licensed therapist, particularly one who uses cognitive behavioral therapy. It considers anxiety or depression as possible explanations and notes that life stresses might intensify the experience without establishing the cause. A medical or psychiatric referral for medication may be considered by the treating professional, and the answer encourages reaching out rather than continuing alone."},"sourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/answers/im-scared","sourceReviewer":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson#person","name":"Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson"},"question":{"id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared#question","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared#question","html":"<p>I have no idea why this started but I am always thinking about death, mine, my husband’s and my kids, everyone’s. I can’t get it out of my head and I am really scared. At the same time I kinda feel like, \"whats the point when we are all just dying anyway.\" I just want to be here for my kids. I feel so scared all of the time. Please help me.</p>","text":"I have no idea why this started but I am always thinking about death, mine, my husband’s and my kids, everyone’s. I can’t get it out of my head and I am really scared. At the same time I kinda feel like, \"whats the point when we are all just dying anyway.\" I just want to be here for my kids. I feel so scared all of the time. Please help me."},"answer":{"id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared#answer","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared#answer","html":"<p>The fact that you feel scared about these intrusive thought means that you need to see a psychotherapist. I would recommend a licensed clinical psychologist or licensed clinical social worker and who specializes in the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT).</p>\n<p>What you are describing may be symptomatic of an anxiety disorder, depression or both. The psycho social stresses in your life, whatever they may be, could be fueling these intense thoughts and feelings.</p>\n<p>Today, there is plenty that people are feeling worried about. The state of the economy and the financial situation at home and when raising children is certainly very difficult. I have no way of knowing how much these things are affecting you. If they are, they may not be the route cause of your problems, but could contribute to whatever emotional struggles you are going through.</p>\n<p>Do not wait to seek help. It is entirely possible that the therapist you see may recommend medication on a temporary basis and, therefore, refer you to a psychiatrist or to your family physician. The sooner you reach out for help, and you have now started, the sooner you will feel better.</p>\n<p>Good Luck</p>","text":"The fact that you feel scared about these intrusive thought means that you need to see a psychotherapist. I would recommend a licensed clinical psychologist or licensed clinical social worker and who specializes in the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT). What you are describing may be symptomatic of an anxiety disorder, depression or both. The psycho social stresses in your life, whatever they may be, could be fueling these intense thoughts and feelings. Today, there is plenty that people are feeling worried about. The state of the economy and the financial situation at home and when raising children is certainly very difficult. I have no way of knowing how much these things are affecting you. If they are, they may not be the route cause of your problems, but could contribute to whatever emotional struggles you are going through. Do not wait to seek help. It is entirely possible that the therapist you see may recommend medication on a temporary basis and, therefore, refer you to a psychiatrist or to your family physician. The sooner you reach out for help, and you have now started, the sooner you will feel better. Good Luck","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz#person","name":"Allan Schwartz, Ph.D.","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz"}},"summaryScope":"Editorial overview of the original question and response; original review dates apply to the source conversation."},"presentation":{"updatedAt":"2026-10-03","template":"answer-conversation","imageGeneratedAt":"2026-10-03"},"seo":{"title":"What should I do if I’m scared? | MentalHealth.com","description":"A parent is frightened by persistent intrusive thoughts about their own death and the deaths of loved ones.","canonical":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/im-scared","robots":"index,follow","socialImage":{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/social-tiles-20261006-dots/answers.png","width":1200,"height":630,"alt":"MentalHealth.com — Answers","type":"image/png","sitemapGroup":"answers"}},"subjectMatterExpert":{"name":"Carlos Protzel, Psy.D.","url":"/people/carlos-protzel","profileId":"13151","topic":"wellbeing","focus":"Integrative mental health care","selectionBasis":"Documented expertise in the existing published profile","reviewAttribution":false},"navigation":[],"relatedCommunity":{"community":"/community/family-health","basis":"topic match"},"collections":[]}