Fear of
the dark phobia
Fear of the dark phobia or Nyctophobia is
common among young children who often fear that something
catastrophic may happen to them in the night.
In the darkness, we can’t see very well, and for a young child,
particularly one with a healthy imagination, this can be very
frightening. A pervading sense can build that something sinister is
just out of sight and arm’s reach waiting for its moment to
strike.
As a young child, I used to suffer from fear of the
dark, as a result of which my mother used to leave the
landing light on for me to provide a calming relief from the
darkness. My parents also used to ask me questions to make me
elaborate on my fears.
By doing this, they showed concern and sympathy, while at the
same time making it very clear that they were not afraid. In this
way, parents can be of great use to their children.
Fear of the dark lessened as I grew older, then went
away altogether. Most children as they grow up and the world around
them becomes more logical and less fantastic, come to realise that
they are quite safe in the darkness and their fears were
irrational.
Some adults can suffer from fear of the dark –
particularly those who suffer from nightmares or have traumatic
memories. Although gradual exposure to darkness can be helpful to
nyctophobics, the management of nightmares and bad memories is
liable to require specialist help.
Similar darkness phobia searches
include:
- fear of the dark
- dealing with a childs fear of the
dark
- get over fear of the dark
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