Death as a part of life – reconciliation, fears and beliefs

Death is the cessation of vital activity in an organism, which can be caused by natural aging, serious diseases, and injuries. It is the end of life, the irreversible cessation of biological processes.

Although the nature of death is a natural and inevitable part of life, understanding and coming to terms with it has been a difficult subject for humanity throughout history. Not only because of the loss of a loved one and the accompanying grief, but also because of the uncertainty of what happens after death. As a result, the exact nature and meaning of death has been a subject of study in philosophy, science and religion throughout history. While the physical and biological aspects of death are scientifically explainable, its existential and ontological meaning remains subjective and culturally variable. Death raises questions about the value of life, temporality and the role of man in the world, providing an opportunity to reflect on the fundamentals of life and existence.

The nature of death

Death is a complex phenomenon that can be viewed from medical, biological, and philosophical perspectives. To understand and define death, various classifications and definitions have been developed that help to better understand the various aspects and manifestations of this phenomenon. Modern medicine clearly distinguishes between different types and states of death, which are important both in clinical practice and for a more general understanding of death as a phenomenon.

Biological death and clinical death

Biological death refers to the irreversible cessation of an organism's function. It is the final state in which all vital processes have completely ceased. Clinical death On the other hand, there is a condition in which breathing and heart rate have temporarily stopped, but the person can be resuscitated. In this case, the heartbeat and breathing resume within a few minutes. Historically, there is also the phenomenon of shadow death, where a person appears dead but is actually alive - this was especially relevant at a time when medical knowledge was limited.

Natural death vs sudden death

Natural death usually occurs as a result of age or illness and is often a slow process in which the body gradually weakens. In contrast, sudden death, or unexpected death, occurs suddenly and quickly, as a result of an accident or cardiac arrest. For example, one cause of sudden death may be epilepsy, which in more severe cases can cause SUDEP (in English Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy(in Estonian, sudden death in epilepsy).

Types of death 

Death can be classified in several ways:

• slow death – as a result of long-term illness or aging, where the body or organism's systems gradually weaken, ultimately leading to death;
• sudden death – accidents, cardiac arrest, other illness where death occurs quickly;
• premature death – death that occurs before the average lifespan, whether due to illness, accident, or other factors;
• voluntary death – a conscious and often planned decision to end one's life, which may result from psychological or medical reasons, including euthanasia;
• Violent death – this includes all cases where death is caused by the deliberate act of another person, such as murder, or more broadly, war, where death may be directly or indirectly the result of the actions of other people;
• Cultural or ritual death – historically, death may have been part of a cultural or religious practice, but today such deaths are very rare. 

Coming to terms with death and grieving 

Modern medicine has made great strides in delaying and preventing death, but death remains an inevitable part of life. Although medical advances have made it possible to treat many diseases and extend life expectancy, we must all face the reality of mortality and with grief. It is a topic that affects everyone, and coming to terms with it can be difficult. When faced with death, people often experience deep thoughts about life, relationships, and their own mortality.

If the emotional burden is too heavy or there are no loved ones to turn to in the pain of loss, help is always available through free online counseling or telephone lines.

Signs and experiences of death

Signs and experiences of death can vary greatly. Often, certain signs appear before death that indicate the end of life is approaching. Signs before death are often subtle and gradual, including physical changes, such as slowing of breathing or a drop in body temperature, and emotional manifestations, such as calmness or unusual alertness. These pre-death symptoms are part of the body's preparation for the end of life.

People who have faced or escaped death often describe extraordinary experiences. While facing death can seem frightening, many experiences also offer comfort – for example, those who have escaped death often describe vivid and breathtaking moments associated with peace and light.

Folklore also includes the figure of the death knell, who comes to announce death to a person. Today, the “death knell” is a frequently used symbol representing death as an inevitable part of life. This figure, whether mythical or metaphorical, reminds us of the transience of life and the need to find meaning in every moment.

Loss of a loved one

The death of a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences in a person's life. The death of a person, especially the loss of a beloved family member, friend, or spouse, can bring profound sadness and loneliness. The death of a spouse is often associated with the loss of a life partner, which changes everyday life and creates a strong emotional void.

While every loss is deeply personal and painful, the death of a child is especially difficult to cope with, as it challenges the natural order of life. For parents, the loss of a child can be a profound emotional trauma that affects their entire lives. The death of an infant, such as from cot death, is shocking and inexplicable, leaving parents deeply grieving. 

The death of a grandparent is a more natural part of life, and often the loss of an elderly person can be a longer process. Often, death is preceded by a long-term illness or a gradual deterioration in health, which allows loved ones to mentally prepare for the impending loss. However, this does not always make the final departure easier, and the death of an older person also brings grief and sadness, because with them a piece of family history, wisdom and memories is lost.

Grief and loss are not only caused by the death of a family member or long-time friend. For example, the death of an employee at work affects the entire team. In addition to personal sadness, it can also create a void in professional life, emphasizing the need for empathy and a strong team spirit.

How to cope with grief?

Death and grief are inextricably linked, and the grieving process is a natural part of coping with loss. Grief process can be long and difficult, involving several emotional stages from shock and denial to acceptance and calm. Each person experiences grief in their own way and at their own pace, so it is important to give yourself time and space to heal and seek professional help if necessary.

Sympathy for the bereaved is one way to help those who are grieving cope with their pain. A sincere expression of sympathy – whether through words, actions, or just presence – helps show that loss is not something anyone has to deal with alone. Together, we are better able to accept the inevitabilities of life and find peace even in the most difficult moments.

What happens to a person after death?

The nature of death and attitudes towards it vary considerably across cultures. While in the Western world death is often seen as something tragic and final, in many Eastern cultures it is seen as a natural part of life or even a new beginning. For example, Buddhism and Hinduism believe in reincarnation, where death is merely a transition from one life form to another. This illustrates how cultural background and beliefs significantly influence people's understanding of death.

Life after death is also a central theme in many religions, offering comfort and hope in the face of the inevitability of death. Whether it is heaven or reincarnation, it offers solace and a sense of purpose to both the dying and their loved ones.

In the world most common religion, in Christianity have developed their own understandings of life after death. The Christian understanding of life after death is based on the teachings of the Bible and various theological interpretations, which vary somewhat by denomination (Catholics, Protestants, Orthodox, etc.). However, there are several common beliefs among them. For Christians, life after death is associated with the promise of eternal life. The Bible describes those who have believed in Christ and lived according to his teachings as receiving a share in heaven. In the Christian tradition, heaven means being in close communion with God - a place where there is no pain, suffering, or death. Heaven is often depicted as a place of perfect peace and joy.

In Christian tradition, the 40 days after death, when the soul is believed to still be on earth, are also considered important. This period is an important time for many believers, when they pray for the deceased and think about their soul. 

Can a person sense death?

The relationship with death is a topic that has fascinated humanity throughout history, as it concerns understanding the boundary between life and death. This phenomenon is often described as intuitive – an “inner knowing” that defies rational explanation. People who have experienced near-death situations or witnessed the end of a loved one’s life often talk about how the body and mind seem to send signals that life is about to end. These moments can be filled with a sense of peace or even a special experience of enlightenment and deep understanding. At the same time, they can also cause anxiety, fear or confusion, especially if a person is not ready to face death or is not ready to say goodbye to a loved one. Such experiences provoke questions about the meaning of life, mortality and possible existence after death, often giving rise to deeper introspection and a reassessment of their worldview.

How to deal with the fear of death?

One of the most common questions people ask is “is death painful?” While the moment of death itself can be peaceful, the fear of death causes significant anxiety for many people. This fear can be related to both the uncertainty about life after death and concern for loved ones. 

According to medical knowledge, death itself is not necessarily painful, although the processes that accompany it – diseases, injuries or other conditions – can cause physical pain. However, today it is possible to alleviate pain through palliative care, which aims to provide the dying person with as much comfort as possible.

It is important to understand that the fear of death is a normal human reaction, reflecting a natural desire to continue living. This fear can be alleviated by reflection on the meaning of life, religious or spiritual beliefs, and acceptance of death as a natural process. This can be addressed through conversations, counseling or seeking religious support. Many find comfort in knowing that death is part of a larger cycle and that it does not necessarily mean the end, but can be a new beginning. Exploring and understanding issues related to death can help us come to terms with its inevitability and live life more fully, accepting its finite duration.

The official and practical side of death

While the death of a loved one is a deeply emotional event, it also comes with a number of formal and practical tasks that need to be dealt with. These processes may seem complicated, but understanding them and handling them systematically can help avoid confusion and additional stress. What tasks to start with?when a loved one dies?

Issuance of a death certificate and its copy

After a person dies, it is essential to obtain a death certificate, which is the basis for all further official procedures, such as inheritance procedures, pension suspension and tax issues. The death certificate is usually issued by a doctor or hospital if the death occurred in a hospital, or by a family doctor or ambulance service if the person died at home.

Nowadays, the healthcare provider issues the death notification electronically and forwards it to the population register, where the death is automatically registered. It is important to understand that a death notification, a statement of cause of death and a death certificate are different types of documents:

• A death certificate confirms the fact of a person's death.
• The cause of death notification contains information about the cause of death of a person and is submitted to the cause of death register, which collects data on the deaths of all residents of Estonia, regardless of the location of death.
• A death certificate is an official government document, usually issued by a hospital, that contains information about the deceased, such as name, personal identification number, date of birth, time of death, and registration details. A death certificate is valid if it has the signature of the issuer and the stamp of the institution.

In the future, it is hoped to transition to a fully digital system, where the use of paper death certificates will no longer be necessary. This would make processes faster and simpler, while also reducing bureaucracy.

The initial issuance of a death certificate is free of charge. However, if for some reason it is necessary to reissue a death certificate, for example, if the initial one has been lost or a foreign institution requires it in a different language, a state fee will be required.

Other actions related to the death of a loved one

Following the death of a loved one, there are many steps that need to be taken – informing the employer, closing the deceased's bank account, dealing with a loan or lease, terminating telephone or other service contracts, and much more. This can only be done on the basis of a death certificate, the process of issuing which should be initiated as a priority. 

So the first step is to go to the hospital to get a death certificate, on the basis of which you can begin other necessary procedures. After issuing the death certificate, you should first contact the local government to register the funeral and then deal with the termination of bank accounts and contracts. 

The process should be started as soon as possible, preferably within a few days of the death, to avoid inconveniences such as continued service fees or late payments. If necessary, the succession process should also be initiated, which regulates the division of the deceased's assets and liabilities. It is also worth reviewing insurance policies and taking care of contracts related to funeral arrangements.

The loss of a loved one inevitably brings with it deep emotional burden, which can make dealing with the situation seem overwhelming. In such a situation, it is worth seeking help from trusted family members, friends, or from specialized support services, for example from grief counselors. In addition, many local authorities and social services offer practical support, including guidance on how to organise the necessary procedures. If there are complex inheritance issues, it may be useful to contact a lawyer or notary. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness – it helps to lighten the load and allows you to focus on grieving and recovery.

Death and taxes

In the event of death, attention must also be paid to tax issues. If the deceased had unpaid tax obligations, these will fall on the heirs according to the law of inheritance. It may also be necessary to prepare and submit the deceased's income tax return. In some cases, it is possible to apply for tax exemption or relief for certain parts of the inheritance.

Death and retirement

When a person dies, their pension payments must be stopped. At the same time, the family may be entitled to apply for a survivor's pension or other benefits, depending on the marital status of the deceased and the needs of their loved ones. To resolve these issues, it is necessary to contact the Pension Board, Social Insurance Board or the social assistance department of the local government.

Death at home and abroad

If a person dies in a hospital, the death is registered by a competent staff member there. If a person dies at home, the first person to be notified is the ambulance service or family doctor, who will confirm the death and initiate the process of issuing a death certificate. If the death occurs abroad, the situation may be more complicated. Relatives will need to contact local authorities and the Estonian consular mission to arrange transport of the deceased back to their home country and obtain the necessary documents based on international requirements. This process varies depending on the country where the person died. 

Obituaries

It is a tradition to publish obituaries to commemorate the deceased – nowadays both in print and on websites or social media. They announce the death of a person and often include information about the funeral. In addition to commemoration, obituaries are an important way to inform distant relatives and acquaintances who may not otherwise learn of the death.

The formal and practical aspects of death may seem complicated at first, but a clear understanding of the necessary steps can help loved ones focus on the grief of loss and cherishing memories, knowing that important formalities will be handled in an orderly manner.

Summary

Death is the irreversible end of an organism's life, caused by aging, disease, or injury. Despite its natural inevitability, understanding and coming to terms with death has always been difficult for humanity, as it raises deep existential questions about the meaning and value of life.

Coming to terms with death is a natural part of life, but the grieving process can be difficult and vary from person to person. Fears about death are often related to the unknown future or the loss of loved ones. Different cultures and religions view death differently: some see it as the end of life, while others see it as a new beginning, such as reincarnation or the possibility of eternal life.

On a practical level, death involves a number of formalities, such as obtaining a death certificate, inheriting property and applying for social benefits. The death of a loved one can bring about strong emotions, which can be alleviated by seeking support from family, friends or from professional advisors.

Where can I get help?

Websites where you can get help with the loss of a loved one and grief:

• Reading and guidance for the loss of a loved one - both for emotional support and for dealing with the aftermath of death: death.ee
• Free psychological counseling via email: solution.net
• Website where you can book free online counseling via video bridge or communicate via chat: help.ee
• Free mental health counseling via email: news.peaasi.ee

Telephone numbers to contact in case of concerns:

• Child support (24 hours), including: 116111
• Lifeline – emotional support phone: 6558 088
• Emotional support and spiritual care phone number: 116 123