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Fear Of
Death And Darkness Phobia
Fear of the dark also known
as 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 this phobia, 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.
The fear 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
this fear – 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.
Fear of death or
Thantophobia is quite a natural phenomenon. None of us know what will
happen to us after we die. But to be morbidly afraid of death is unhealthy
and detrimental to our lives.
If one fears death
excessively, it can prevent them from being able to enjoy life. Often
associated with hypochondria, morbid death fear can cause unnecessary
worry and anxiety and can prevent the sufferer from being able to live
life to the full.
To a point the fear of
death diminishes when we see it in its natural context – a dying person
surrounded by loving friends and family. However most of our images of
death in the modern world have been distorted by our culture’s
preoccupation with unnatural violent death: daily news stories of
shootings, abductions and suicide bombings. Brutally violent movies and
computer games. Also scare mongering news stories regarding types of food
once perceived to be healthy, but now putting you at death’s door.
All this negative focus
leads to unhealthy consequences. An exaggerated fear of dying and phobias
of growing old leads to a reluctance to make a will or make any plans for
those we love whom we know will outlive us and a general ignorance of
normal end of life options.
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Steve Hill talks about fear of death and darkness phobia. Learn how to
live without fear or anxiety. Read more informative fear, anxiety and
phobia articles and information at: fears
phobias information,
phobias
cure. Steve also
has a website at: stuttering
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