Ever since I was a child, I've had a paralyzing fear of the dark. I literally get so scared I cannot move. I sense a presence always in the dark. I wouldn't call it a ghost or anything silly like that but I definitely feel something is with me in the darkness. For the past few years though, I have not had a problem wi this fear at all. Though I still feel the presence I was no longer paralyzed in terror. Then about 5 months ago, there was an incident where I awoke with the same fear but this time heard footsteps when I tried to get up, I could not move, as if I was being held down. After several moments I was able to move frrely and left feeling hysterical. I have not had even the sense of fear of the dark since that night until last night. Though I wasn't paralyzed this time I did once again hear footsteps and now I am experiencing this unhealthy fear even in daylight. Does anyone have any information on what this could be or how to treat it?
2006-09-25 14:23:54 · 6 answers · asked by Celestian Vega 6 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Additional information: I am 22 years old and live alone in my home. Though this fear has been with me all my life, the two incidents I have referred to have both happened at my current residence.
2006-09-25 15:44:56 · update #1
Phobia's are a form of mental disorder.. an anxiety disorder, and it sounds like you have avery severe phobia to me. a phobia of darkness is called Nyctophobia (greek for fear of the night)
Normally, since humans are not nocturnal by nature, humans are usually a bit more cautious or alert than in the day, since the dark is a vastly different environment. Nyctophobia produces symptoms beyond the normal instinctive parameters.
Sufferers have an abnormal and persistent dread of the dark and experience anxiety even though they may rationally understand that the dark does not pose such a great threat.
Phobia's can be treated using Cognitive-behavioral therapy, Psychodynamic psychotherapy, group therapy, alternative therapies and for some phobias medication (i'm not sure if this is the case for Nyctophobia.) So you're probably going to need to see a psychologist or psychiatrist to fix this. good luck
2006-09-25 14:37:51 · answer #1 · answered by jo 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like "night terrors" for the paralyzed part. It's a state between waking and sleeping. I'm going to give you some references to organizations that have a lot of info. Both children and adults can experience them. It's considered a sleep disorder. Did you ever get tested for a sleep disorder?
Is it possible that your fear of "night terrors" spilled over into your waking life?
One of the references is for a day in October when all people who have night terrors can meet up on the net. You might be able to ask some of them questions about this then.
2006-09-25 14:38:57 · answer #2 · answered by Zelda Hunter 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have always slept with a night light ever since I was a little girl for that reason. I think some people are more sensitive to "the other side" than others. We have been taught that after we die, we are not here, we are somewhere far far away. But, I think we are in a better place, but its not that far from our human plane. Crazy, huh? have you ever read any of Sylvia Brown's books. She talks about astral catalepsy. This may explain your being held down. This may be too way out for you, just take it with a grain of salt.
2006-09-26 10:11:17 · answer #3 · answered by kimgirlscout 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think it's a phobia that has gotten worse with your age. if you have been carrying this around since you were a child, i would seek son professional help.
2006-09-25 14:31:53 · answer #4 · answered by redpeach_mi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Idon't know the answer sorry, but I do know what your feeling.
2006-09-25 14:34:25 · answer #5 · answered by idontknow 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would talk to a pyciotrist or a pyckic
2006-09-25 14:32:23 · answer #6 · answered by jettalady 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋