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It's common for children to fear the 'monsters in their closet' the second you turn off the lights, but for some kids, the fear stays with them into adulthood. More than 12 percent of the U.S. population suffers from a phobia of some kind, which is an irrational fear of an object or situation that's generally harmless.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Accompanying the fear is a strong desire to avoid what you fear and, in some cases, an inability to function at normal tasks in your job and in social settings.”
For some adults, their phobia is related to the dark. Children and adults typically fear the dark for the same reason -- a fear of the unknown, or what may be lurking in the shadows -- although while children may fear imaginary monsters, adults tend to fear real crimes or burglaries, which are more likely to occur at night, in the dark.
The problem with phobias is that they give rise to feelings of panic, such as sweating, rapid heartbeat and intense anxiety, in a situation that is not harmful. If you have a fear of the dark, you may begin to feel anxious just because it’s nearing time for the sun to set, for instance, or if there is a storm and you fear the power may go out. This can easily lead to insomnia and lack of sleep, which can cause numerous health problems over time.
In adolescents, meanwhile, a study published in Biological Psychiatry even found that a fear of the dark is associated with a future risk of major depression, so it’s something that should be dealt with as soon as possible.
What causes a fear of the dark? A slight fear of the dark may be engrained in all of us, because in ancient times this helped with our very survival. However, in modern days psychological traumas , such as being abused as a child or attacked at night, can cause a fear of the dark to emerge.
How to Overcome a Fear of the Dark
Whether it’s you or your kids who have a fear of the dark, the methods to remedy it are the same.
First and foremost, you should let go of the fear.
“We all fear what we cannot see or understand. Yet we actually can see very little and understand even less,” says Hale Dwoskin, CEO and director of training of Sedona Training Associates. “If you are afraid in the dark simply let that feeling go like any other and it will pass.”
Our fears and doubts make us defensive. When we are defensive, we are holding in our mind what we don't want, so that's what we get. As you release your defensiveness, you see solutions instead of problems, and your fear will suddenly disappear. You can learn exactly how to release your fears and defensiveness by learning the scientifically proven Sedona Method.
“As you learn to let go of your fears with The Sedona Method, you will find yourself supremely comfortable in the light and the dark,” Dwoskin says.
Your children, too, can use The Sedona Method to let go of their fear of the dark. Simply teach them The Method as you learned it, and they will catch on quickly. Children already have an inherent ability to let go of negative thoughts, so they typically thrive when using The Method.
While you are releasing your fear of the dark, the following tips can also be used to help ease your mind about being in the dark:
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Accompanying the fear is a strong desire to avoid what you fear and, in some cases, an inability to function at normal tasks in your job and in social settings.”
For some adults, their phobia is related to the dark. Children and adults typically fear the dark for the same reason -- a fear of the unknown, or what may be lurking in the shadows -- although while children may fear imaginary monsters, adults tend to fear real crimes or burglaries, which are more likely to occur at night, in the dark.
The problem with phobias is that they give rise to feelings of panic, such as sweating, rapid heartbeat and intense anxiety, in a situation that is not harmful. If you have a fear of the dark, you may begin to feel anxious just because it’s nearing time for the sun to set, for instance, or if there is a storm and you fear the power may go out. This can easily lead to insomnia and lack of sleep, which can cause numerous health problems over time.
In adolescents, meanwhile, a study published in Biological Psychiatry even found that a fear of the dark is associated with a future risk of major depression, so it’s something that should be dealt with as soon as possible.
What causes a fear of the dark? A slight fear of the dark may be engrained in all of us, because in ancient times this helped with our very survival. However, in modern days psychological traumas , such as being abused as a child or attacked at night, can cause a fear of the dark to emerge.
How to Overcome a Fear of the Dark
Whether it’s you or your kids who have a fear of the dark, the methods to remedy it are the same.
First and foremost, you should let go of the fear.
“We all fear what we cannot see or understand. Yet we actually can see very little and understand even less,” says Hale Dwoskin, CEO and director of training of Sedona Training Associates. “If you are afraid in the dark simply let that feeling go like any other and it will pass.”
Our fears and doubts make us defensive. When we are defensive, we are holding in our mind what we don't want, so that's what we get. As you release your defensiveness, you see solutions instead of problems, and your fear will suddenly disappear. You can learn exactly how to release your fears and defensiveness by learning the scientifically proven Sedona Method.
“As you learn to let go of your fears with The Sedona Method, you will find yourself supremely comfortable in the light and the dark,” Dwoskin says.
Your children, too, can use The Sedona Method to let go of their fear of the dark. Simply teach them The Method as you learned it, and they will catch on quickly. Children already have an inherent ability to let go of negative thoughts, so they typically thrive when using The Method.
While you are releasing your fear of the dark, the following tips can also be used to help ease your mind about being in the dark:
- Keep a small flashlight near your bed so you know you can turn on a light if you need to.
- While in the dark, “see” objects and shapes in a familiar place, such as your bedroom, for what they really are, simply furniture and other items, not anything to be worried about.
- If a fear of the dark keeps you up at night, don’t get into bed until you’re ready to fall asleep. This way, you won’t have time to worry about the dark -- you’ll simply drift off to sleep.
- Don’t read scary stories or watch scary movies/TV programs close to bedtime. If you do read or watch something, choose something funny, inspirational or warm.