how do i get over my fear of the dark?

Question

i have been scared for the dark as long as i can remember im turning 17 soon and i think its about time i get over this fear. any suggestions, please be nice this isnt a joke and its not funny. i really need some good advice

i also should of said i already sleep with a nightlight.. well its like a lamp. almost a fake type of lava one.. so it hides its real purpose if you get what i mean. and i dont know what im scared off. and im not seeing no shrink!

Answer 1

Shrinks aren't for everyone. So I will give you and answer that does not end with seeing one.. I hope.
1st your fear is a fear that is shared by many people and even my dog (lets not go there on the dog thing). It is one of the most common fears. Not know what is there is what cause the fear and our mind supports it by creating false images in the dark. You know that I am talking about.. So don't worry about having the fear..
2nd.. Face the fear. In the light memorized everything in your bedroom every small detail.. then turn off the lights and sit in the dark.. sit there with your eyes closed for 30 mins.. When you open your eyes you will naturally be adjusted to the absense of light and you will be able to see better then walking in from a lite room. Then walk around your room touch the things in the dark sit and listen to the room. If you see a shape that scares you.. touch it. If you can't do it at first fine but work your way to it. Once you can process that there is nothing there you will be able to CONTROL your fear. You might never loose the fear but can control it. TRUST ME I KNOW

Answer 2

Hms, I honestly think that you can conquer yer fear without having to pay a cent seeing a therapist. The only thing you have to do, is conquer your fear little by little.
For Example:
For starters you can begin with going to sleep with your bedroom light on, and slowly start progessing to turning off the bedroom light off and leaving a night light on. Then end off with having all the lights completely off.
If this doesn't help you sweetie, then I do suggest sitting in the dark for 30 seconds each day and add another 15 seconds to the next day and so on.
Don't expect to be over your fear right away, it won't happen. GO at yer own pace. ^_^ I hope this helps take cares!

Answer 3

You need to go see a therapist, talking to someone is always good, the therapist will give you some advice on how to get over those fears too ,

Oh and go get a night light that always helps, you could sleep with it on for a night and try to sleep with it off for 30 minutes a night and increase the amount of time you sleep with the night light off.

Oh and go and get yourself a Bible and read Psalms 91 thats a prayer for protection and read Pslams 23 thats a prayer to calm your fears and your worries Read them every night before you go to bed they will help you so much.

things will work out i'll keep you in prayer and GOD bless.

I pray that this helps you

Answer 4

I know how you feel, I am 20 and married and I am still terrified of the dark. I really don't have a problem with inside my house though. My problem is being outside alone. After about 2 minutes I literally start having a panic attack and I fall to the ground in fetal position. I am a little better about it with my husband (he has to put his arm around me when we are walking or sitting there). And another thing that helps me is to have our Pit Bull with me; I know he would protect me with his life. I have thouhg about it a lot and I think why I get so scared is because I can't see what is in front of me and I think that someone is hiding and going to get me and hurt me or something. I have not had anything traumatic happen to me in the dark or anything like that to make me scared of it, I have just been like that my whole life. Something probably happened to me in a past life or something..lol.

Oh yeah, I am also scared to death of lightening; I am so scared that is is going to hit me...I know it sounds dumb but I am.

But if you are really determined on getting rid of this fear is seriously to have someone go with you outside and and walk you around at first to help you face your fear. You will not get over it until you face it. Then eventually go out there alone. That is at least how psyciatrists get their patients to get over phobias. I have not done it because I am too scared..lolol.

Answer 5

Start with a night light. You could also turn on the light in your closet with the door slightly open. I did that for my two youngest children when we moved into a new apartment, and they had to share a new bedroom, and they weren't familiar with it yet. It didn't take long, and they're fine now. Also, you could talk with your parents or a trusted adult, and find out what you think is scaring you so much. Good luck.

Answer 6

Before going to bed checking everything in the room the closet, under the bed, don't leave dirty clothes on a chair, put your shoes away. Take a small flash light to bed with you. Give yourself positive reasurrance as you lay in bed that everything is ok, that is just the shadow of the lamp on the wall, or the chair, use the flash light to confirm what it is, then pray to whatever god you believe in and close your eyes and count sheep.

Answer 7

Honey, I understand. I'm 22 and still kinda scared of the dark. It is just scary because you don't see everything that you can see in the light. Just try to think of other things or carry a flashlight. Hey there is nothing wrong with wanting to see. You are gonna be alright, there are alot of people who are scared of the dark. Just be brave!

Answer 8

Well it depends on what makes you afraid of the dark. You should probably dim your lights very low to a relaxing level to help you sleep or sleep with a night light. You might not get over your fear but it'll help you relax through the night.

Answer 9

I would just go into the dark and if you can do it without freaking out then you have faced your fear. but its okay to have a fear like me i have not gotten into an airplane but i will never fly. good luck

Answer 10

face it. do u know that there is a limit to how much one can be afraid.

your fear will take a typical umbrella shaped curve and then u will be fearless.

anxiety will rise and rise and rise u will be damn scared but then it will peak off and suddenly u will be comfortable,

try it.

all the best.