Fear of Darkness

[shopndrop]

A friend of mine has been suffering from fear of darkness for a long time even into adulthood and is still suffering. Does anyone know of any money saving tips that might help with this phobia?

[Savvy_Sue]

A low watt lightbulb or one of those plug-in things that you buy for the nursery don't cost a lot to run.

I wouldn't say I have a phobia, but I prefer sleeping with the curtains open and there's a street light outside, and if DH is away I'll have a light on.

If it's a real screaming habjabs kind of phobia, have they talked to the GP? A few counselling sessions might help, and the surgery may have a counsellor.

[shopndrop]

I know they do sleep with the light on and curtains open to let street light in. One of the main problems is actually being outside in the dark e.g. getting out of the car and getting into the house when coming in from work during the winter. She also will not walk anywhere alone in the dark, even to a next door neighbour.

[BigMummaF]

I bought my mum a keyring torch, but it has a bright blue light. She feels better having her house keys 'ready' in her hand to unlock the door, & the torch helps her to see both the path & the keyhole. With it being on her keyring she doesn't feel so self conscious about carrying a torch when there are street lights about.
Mind you, with the awful lighting we have around here, I'LL be carrying a torch too...they are about as useful as a chocolate fireguard imo.

[Savvy_Sue]

I know they do sleep with the light on and curtains open to let street light in. One of the main problems is actually being outside in the dark e.g. getting out of the car and getting into the house when coming in from work during the winter. She also will not walk anywhere alone in the dark, even to a next door neighbour.BigMumma's suggestion is a good one too: I even use my mobile phone to light me up my very dark garden path because I hate not being able to see where my feet are going!

However, it does sound to me as if she would benefit from some 'proper' help to get her over this. I think CBT is the buzz word (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - because it tries to change the way people behave) but just seeing her GP would be a good start. Even if she feels very silly doing this, I'm sure a good GP will be sympathetic: could you go too for moral support?