Scared of the dark? HELP! Any methods?

Question

I'm constantly scared of the dark. Only when I sleep. And when I am alone. When I'm not I am fine with the dark. I attempted many times with shutting off the TV and than I would lie there for about 3 minutes than turn it back on. Because I am always scared that some thing's going to pop out at me and I don't know what is there.I need more sleep for school. So can someone help me?!? Any old remedy's or any methods you do? Nightlights don't help that much... well kind of. But there are not open outlets in my room for electricity. There are but they are only behind my bed, behind my dresser, and under my desk, (ex.) Help me! :] If you need any more info. just ask.

Answer 1

It's not uncommon at any age.  I was very afraid of the dark until early adulthood.  Also, I had the common theme that something was going to jump out at me or grab me.  What a drag!  

What I did was I turned off my light at night before going to bed and whilst doing some deep relaxing breathing told myself that the only living thing in my room was me.  There was nothing that was going to cause me harm.  If something moved or touched me there would be a perfectly normal reason for it, like something falling off the dresser or in the wardrobe.  I was not going to come to any harm other than perhaps stub my toe on some furniture.  And I gave myself permission to feel relaxed and safe. Outloud I would say "I'm safe." And then I would walk to my bed without rushing (can't tell you how many times I flew off the other side of my bed because I would run and jump after turning off the light...lol).  

Took a while but it worked. Give yourself permission to feel safe and unafraid and RELAX.....

Good luck.  

Answer 2

You might consider getting some professional help.  There are a lot of folks who are intimidated by the dark; without knowing your history it is difficult to advise.

Answer 3

the dark is only scary until you realize that its just the same room only with out a light source.here's a little trick ive learned to conquer my necrophobia:what ever you think will come out to attack,imagine a counter retaliation,for example if you think snakes will come slithering with fangs bared for your flesh,imagine a mongoose right by your side,a great big mongoose that will kill any snake that will harm you.or (another is) if you think a ghost will come out and suck out your soul,think of the ghost busters theme song!X3

aways what I'm trying to say is that you cant relay conquer your fears unless you face them head on....well i hope i helped good luck!

Answer 4

O.K. well, lots of people are scared of the dark. It is a common thing. If you can move some furniture around, then that might help because then the night-lights would not cast such long,scary shadows on the walls. If you cannot, then try taking something that helps make you fall asleep before you go to bed. Ask your parents or roommate or someone who lives with you to maybe leave the hall light on outside your door and your door open a little so that there is not enough light you lay awake, but enough light so you can still see the outlines of the furniture and stuff. Maybe also before you go to bed, you could take a quick walk-through of your room. Nothing in there, all o.k. And maybe you could also put those glow in the dark stars or pictures up on your ceiling and around the walls so that you could look at them for reassurance or something. Try  visiting this website: www.nightstuff.com It tells you stuff about the dark,night, and scared of the dark stuff. Also, try to avoid scary movies until you are over it. Scary stories, ditto. Also, think about this, like that one guy said, think of a counter reaction to what you are scared of happening. Just think of the boogie man or whatever you are scared of popping out at you, as protecting you.

Answer 5

Maybe if you tried reading a book before you went to sleep?

It can be calming and might keep your thoughts occupied while you fall asleep.

Just make sure its not creepy or anything!

Answer 6

If you train yourself to think that being in the dark is no different than being in the light, it may help. Your not afraid of sitting in a lit room. So really there should be no harm in the darkness, sure you can't see well, but it doesnt mean everytime you turn out the lights that something bad is going to happen.

Try and find comfort in the darkness. If that fails just apply vicks vapor rub on your eye lids when you go to bed. This will atleast keep your from opening your eyes too much, unless of course you plan to rinse them thoroughly in cold water for fifteen minutes.