Fear of darkness

What is it?

Fear of the dark is an intense fear response to low light and to not being able to see what is around you. It is common in children and can persist into adulthood.

What might it feel like?

• Sleep difficulty, needing lights on
• Checking rooms repeatedly
• Not going outside after dark

What may contribute to it?

• A frightening event at night
• Nightmares
• Feeling unable to detect or escape danger

Is it fear, discomfort, or a possible phobia?

These are reflection questions, not a test. More “yes” answers suggest this fear deserves attention — they do not mean you definitely have a disorder.

• Does the fear feel much bigger than the situation's likely danger?
• Does anticipation cause strong distress?
• Do I routinely avoid it?
• Do I endure it with extreme distress?
• Does it interfere with healthcare, school, work, relationships, travel, sleep or recreation?
• Have I reorganised parts of my life around it?
• Has it persisted rather than fading naturally?
• Do reassurance and facts give only temporary relief?

What else could resemble it?

• PTSD
• OCD-style checking
• Insomnia
• A genuinely unsafe environment

How can I cope today?

• Dimmer light rather than none
• Name five neutral objects you can hear
• Longer exhales

How can I work on it over time?

• Ladder by degrees of dimness, in your own home first

Living with it right now

• Ask for advance explanations, choices and breaks
• Explain the fear to one person who will not pressure you
• Plan travel and medical appointments with slack in them
• Keep checking whether your world is widening or narrowing

When professional help may be useful

• Avoidance is disrupting essential healthcare
• The fear affects work, education, parenting or relationships
• Panic is frequent
• Alcohol or other substances are being used to cope
• The fear is expanding to additional situations
• Attempts at facing it feel overwhelming or destabilising
• The fear is linked to trauma, OCD, eating difficulties or medical risk

Psychotherapy is the primary treatment for phobias — commonly cognitive behavioural therapy and gradual, consented exposure. Medication may sometimes be used for particular symptoms or situations under medical guidance.