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70% of people who come back from ‘death’ experience the same change in their lives

David Benjamin
They may, at one point, have been considered clinically dead, but returned to their lives with eye-opening stories and fresh outlooks that just might challenge what we all think we know about the very nature of life and death… (Picture: Getty Images)
Researchers at the University of Virginia have been looking into how people make sense of what happens when they come extremely close to dying. And how they cope after such experiences. Their new study, involving 167 participants, looked at how near death experiences, or NDEs, can heavily influence attitudes towards faith, relationships and even mental health in the months and years that follow them. The findings? Really quite stark indeed (Picture: Getty Images)
A near death experience is typically described as an extremely vivid event that takes place when a person is close to dying or briefly without vital signs. Survivors often report floating outside their bodies, encountering loved ones who have passed away, or (and this one is extremely common) being enveloped in a brilliant white light. Scientists suggest these sensations may arise from the brain’s chemistry or oxygen loss, yet lots of people who experience them describe them as moments of spiritual awakening (Picture: Getty Images)
Nearly 70% of the Virginia study’s participants said that their spiritual or religious beliefs shifted quite dramatically afterwards. Their fear of dying often noticeably lessened and a deeper sense of purpose took its place. ‘My NDE was considerable,’ one participant wrote. ‘I know I’ll never be the same person ever, so ongoing reflection and inner work are needed daily’ (Picture: Getty Images)
Others describe more turbulent and tangible changes to their psyches and lives. Over 20% said their relationships soon ended in divorce or separation, while many more faced emotional distance or misunderstanding from partners and friends. One participant called their experience a ‘double-edged sword’ – something profoundly transformative but difficult to talk about for fear of being judged (Picture: Getty Images)
Loneliness was one of the most common themes reported by participants in the study. Some said they avoided sharing their story because it felt too personal or too strange to be believed. ‘My experience felt that those around me didn’t understand the magnitude of what I went through, so I didn’t think others would care either,’ one respondent explained (Picture: Getty Images)
The research found that 64% of people who’d had NDEs sought support afterward from mental health professionals, spiritual leaders, or online groups. Most said this contact helped them process their experience, though not everyone felt entirely understood. One church reportedly told a survivor, ‘We don’t do that here,’ while another participant said, ‘After a few attempts, I honestly didn’t feel anyone was deep enough to handle it… all the responses were textbook and uninspired; very disappointing’ (Picture: Getty Images)
Those who reported the most intense NDEs were the most likely to look for help. Yet the lack of structured care remains a problem, with few therapists or faith communities trained to address such experiences in any real depth (Picture: Getty Images)
The findings, published in Psychology of Consciousness: Theory, Research, and Practice, underline the need for more awareness and support. ‘The research on how to support these patients and their specific needs is still limited,’ said Marieta Pehlivanova of UVA Health’s Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences. ‘We hope to begin addressing this gap and to inspire other researchers, especially clinicians, to devote time and care in pursuing these questions’ (Picture: Getty Images)

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