Hello everybody. My name is Alana, though my preferred name is Alex. I suffer from extreme nyctophobia. I've tried everything, medication, nightlights, but nothing works. As I get older, it just keeps getting worse and worse. I hyperventilate, get panic attack, and even try to knock myself out when things are at the worst. I can't sleep alone anymore, and I cry every night. I get made fun of a lot for it, because the world thinks that the fear of the dark is childish. Please, if someone knows of any help camps let me know. I'm desparate.
What's the reason behind your phobia?
I'm not entirely sure. I've always had a fear of it, but all of a sudden when I was around 10 things really started to go downhill.
@BloodOak Hm, interesting. Have you tried therapy?
No, and my Mom doesn't want to because she thinks that it won't work. Also COVID is keeping us from doing anything. I also don't think it's gonna work very well because its not just a fear of the dark, in my opinion. If it were, I could just keep a nightlight in my room and it would be okay. I think that when everyone goes to sleep or I'm by myself I get freaked out, at night only, though.
@BloodOak I know this might be a personal question, but how old are you? If you’re 18 or over and live in the US, try online therapy. There are many great apps that can help, at least that’s what I searched for.
Don't worry, its not too personal. I'm 13.
@BloodOak Ah, ok. Have you explained every detail of your phobia?