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Hi, I just noticed this thread, and I have had the same problem with the fear of death in the past. As much as I'd love to really believe in something (and sometimes I do, but it comes and goes) when it comes to things like what is true and false, my brain just can't comprehend anything other then black and white, all or nothing thinking. Something is either real or it's not real, either there is an afterlife or there isn't. There is no "maybe" in it for me (I'm not on the autistic spectrum, it's just for some things I have very black and white thinking). It's the main reason why I stay away from religious discussion, because that's one of my triggers.
What I'd suggest is talking to a professional about it. I know that sounds like the obvious answer, however talking to a counselor about this a couple of years ago was the only way I could really move on from it being one of the things always on my mind to the occasional "whenever it's triggered". I'd tell you what she told me but... honestly I can't really remember. After that it's just a matter of trying to avoid what you know will trigger the bad thoughts.
If you are yourself then the worst thing that could happen is that they dislike you but... trust me on this one there will ALWAYS be people out there who will like you for you. There are just too many people in this world for every single person to dislike you. On a similar note there will always be people who dislike you for no reason at all, even if you tried your best to avoid it. Maybe they have some unresolved issues or something. At the end of the day, when you are yourself most people neither dislike you or like you, and when you have people who love you for who you are suddenly the people who dislike you don't matter at all.
I think I'd be a pretty big hypocrite if I gave you any sort of advice concerning how to alleviate this social issue, considering I have a nigh paralyzing fear of rejection myself... so the most I can really say about this is to take things one step at a time when it comes to getting comfortable being yourself around others.
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