Fear in the dark: causes and therapy
If you panic in the dark, you are likely to have achluophobia. You can find out what causes fear in the dark and what you can do about it in this practical tip.
Fear in the dark: this can be the cause
The fear in the dark or in the dark is called achluophobia. Strictly speaking, it is not the fear of the darkness itself, but of the threat that could lurk in it. The unknown makes many unsure and fearful.
- The fear of darkness is evolutionary and therefore a completely natural feeling. It is quite normal to be afraid of dark abandoned streets or parks. If the fear is exaggerated and irrational, one speaks of achluophobia.
- Above all, very sensitive or particularly imaginative people are susceptible who constantly imagine what can happen in the dark.
- One cause of the fear in the dark is traumatic experiences that were made in childhood and / or in adulthood. Based on these experiences, those affected have learned to link the dark with creepy or threatening events.
- Repetition solidifies the fear, which can lead to an anxiety disorder. Put simply, the brain is wrongly trained in terms of fear of the dark.
- A connection between darkness and threat or danger can also arise through emotional exceptional situations, for example through loss, grief or loneliness. These emotions can expand into fear in a gradual process.
- The fear of darkness can also be “ trained ” subconsciously, for example during childhood by over-anxious parents.
- Another cause can be side effects of psychotropic drugs .
- Anxiety can also arise from unresolved psychological conflicts .
So you can treat your fear in the dark
Which therapy is the right one for you depends on the level of fear.
- The rational realization that there is usually nothing dangerous lurking in the dark will not help you. Because your emotions cannot be impressed by your rational thinking.
- On the other hand, what helps is to talk about the fears, since it has a relieving and liberating effect. You can do this with a dear friend or with a trusted family member.
- Also important: accept your fears and accept them. So you take away the power of fear that it has over you.
- Relaxation exercises can also help. Because those who are relaxed don't feel fear. Progressive muscle relaxation or meditation exercises are suitable. These exercises ensure that you calm down more quickly in anxiety-triggering situations.
- If you suffer from pronounced achluophobia, which significantly affects your everyday life, you should seek professional help.
- Many sufferers have had good experiences with behavioral therapy . Together with a therapist, you will investigate the causes and talk about your fears.
- A conscious confrontation with the dark is often part of such therapy. The therapist will carefully introduce you to situations that trigger anxiety, such as staying in a darkened room or taking a walk in the dark.
Fear in the dark in children
Many children are afraid that monsters or other fantasy creatures lurk under their beds in the dark. It is not a phobia, but a phase that usually passes by itself.
- These fears may reappear in adolescence. In this case, you should act as parents so that the whole thing does not turn into a phobia.
- Books that focus on fear in the dark can help children, such as "Who is scared in the dark?" Or "The Little Owl".
Are you getting restless and nervous just thinking about the dark? In our next practical tip you will find tricks that can help you to calm down.