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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Emotional Issues > Afraid of the dark
Posted on: 08/03/2006
Question
Ever since I was little I have been afaird of the dark. Most of the time I still need to use a night light. Now I'm getting ready to start college and this is going to be really embarrassing. What are some things that I can do that will make me less terrified when I'm walking down the streets at night?
Answer
There are certainly things you can do to make yourself more comfortable in the dark. Usually fear of the dark is actually fear of what might happen to you in the dark; you may have specific ideas or images that are triggered by darkness, and it would be useful to think of what these might be. It would also be helpful to figure out if there are some situations when you are not afraid even when there is no light, and if so, what makes these times different. It is often worthwhile to write these thoughts down and then think them through logically. Some important questions would be the likelihood that the situations you fear would actually happen, and if there are ways to deal with them if they do. It is often easier to work through these issues with a counselor, although addressing them yourself may make them more manageable.
It's not clear from your question whether you had a specific experience when you were little that started your fear of the dark. If something really frightening happened that is still affecting you, it would be wise to talk with a professional counselor so that you are better able to leave the experience and the night fears behind as you start college.