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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