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Original poster

Are you afraid of the dark?

57 replies

OldAndWornOut · 04/05/2019 12:12

Last night i walked the 5 minutes home from a friends, at around midnight.

I'm becoming increasingly uneasy when doing this, as I'm aware my sight isn't that great, then a started to think of every other thing about me that wouldn't increase my chances of running away, should anything happen.

Sadly, I think I'm getting to the point of being someone who doesn't venture out after dark.

Am I alone in feeling like this, and are you afraid of the dark; indoors or out?
And why?

OP posts:

PlinkPlink · 04/05/2019 12:20

Outdoors yes.

Women, walking alone, at night where CCTV is unlikely to be present?

Always walk with someone. Please. It's not safe out there.

Inside... sometimes yes... if I've been watching horror movies before I go to bed 😂😂

Original poster

OldAndWornOut · 04/05/2019 12:35

As I was walking I thought that I'm supposed to wear hearing aids, but don't, can barely see where I'm going, get breathless if I have to break into a trot...
Its sounds sheer lunacy to be out and about in my flipflops..

OP posts:

FannyFeatures · 04/05/2019 12:44

Yes.

Even as a child I felt uneasy walking in the dark and still do.

I also panic if I'm in the dark at home.

hewontstopshitting · 04/05/2019 12:46

Yes, outside 100%. I struggle going out in the dark even when I’m with DH, I practically cling to him. Yes, inside too, if DH is out I leave the bedroom light on

Original poster

OldAndWornOut · 04/05/2019 12:48

What are you afraid is in the dark, indoors, if you don't mind saying?
Or is it a general fearful feeling?

OP posts:

Chocolate35 · 04/05/2019 12:49

Me too. Inside and out, I feel vulnerable in the dark. I thought I’m in the minority but clearly not. It feels crazy that we can run a home, do our jobs and bring up children but the dark genuinely scares me.

Aquamarine1029 · 04/05/2019 12:51

Op, you really shouldn't be walking alone at night. Due to your hearing and vision limitations you are even more vulnerable. Please stay safe!

FannyFeatures · 04/05/2019 12:53

I'm not actually sure, I'm aware that it's a completely irrational fear.

I have a constant feeling that somebody is watching me, I get what I can only imagine are hallucinations of Shadows, movement from the corner of my eye, random hazy colours appearing and a general panic sets in adding to the unease.

It's bizarre but something I've had for as long as I remember.

EatenByDinosaurs · 04/05/2019 12:58

No, I love the dark it gives me a sense of peace and I love how it makes all of your other senses seem more acute. I don't actually know anyone else who likes the dark though so its possibly another of my eccentricities

I would, however be very cautious about walking alone anywhere late at night, depending of course on where I was geographically.

Ohwhatbliss · 04/05/2019 13:16

Haven't RTFT but it's a primeval fear, you were more likely to be killed by a predator after dark when you couldn't see. Therefore it's really common along with public speaking (as it sets you apart from the safety of the group), and heights (from when we were monkeys)

Original poster

OldAndWornOut · 04/05/2019 13:16

I was terrified of the dark as a child, but it wasn't exactly encouraged by my mum.
She got fed up with having to check under the bed, in the wardrobe and behind the dreaded curtains every night for monsters, witches, goblins and all manner of other nasty creatures.
I was so afraid, I would cry, even though I was afraid of my mum, too!

OP posts:

WhatNowRandy · 04/05/2019 13:40

Yes, inside and out, whether alone or not (but worse if I'm alone). We always have a light on in the night - usually the bathroom one - so it's not too dark. But if I'm having a worse period (I have complex PTSD) and lots of nightmares, I keep my bedside lamp on, too. Thankfully DH is a good sleeper!

I've actually realised that in the past c. ten years I've more or less stopped going out at all when it means not being home before it's dark. Not a conscious decision really, but it's happened, to the point that now when I'm trying to be more social, I really struggle with this. I'm pushing against this, though. There's no reasonable reason for me not to walk home from the bus along a well-lit street at 9 pm in my peaceful hometown!

WhatNowRandy · 04/05/2019 13:43

This resonates with me. I was utterly terrified at night as a child, and while there were real things for me to fear then too, I mostly blocked those out, and feared the imaginary horrors that I was very good at making up. My DP were very brusque about it, and certainly didn't humour me about it, so I was in the dark, terrified. That's the main reason why I now always let myself have a light on.

Original poster

OldAndWornOut · 04/05/2019 13:45

I wasn't at all nervous in my 20s to 40s; I loved strolling around at night, seeing hedgehogs, bats and badgers, passing by the odd house with lights on and maybe hearing a party, or an argument..

OP posts:

1wearpurple · 04/05/2019 13:47

I too was very scared of the dark as a child. I am rarely home alone at night anymore, but if I am, and I feel scared. I prefer to put the light on and sleep with an eye mask to block out said light! Ridiculous I know, but just knowing that the light is on is enough to allow me to sleep.

1wearpurple · 04/05/2019 13:48

But back to your question OP: don't walk alone that late after dark. Your instincts are saying not to do it, and your instincts are probably right. Not worth the risk.

AfterSchoolWorry · 04/05/2019 13:51

No. Not at all.

Original poster

OldAndWornOut · 04/05/2019 13:51

I'm so glad I asked.
I'm really enjoying all your answers.

Was anyone petrified about 'under the bed'?
I used to feel sure I would die of fear at just the mere thought of allowing one foot to be out of bed when I was just nodding off to sleep..

OP posts:

happymummy12345 · 04/05/2019 13:53

I'm not at all

YetAnotherSpartacus · 04/05/2019 14:00

I love the dark. I love the stillness and the quiet. I love it especially when I can gaze at the stars. One of my resentments at being born female is that I cannot easily and safely spend time outside in the dark by myself because I don't feel safe.

NaomifromMilkshake · 04/05/2019 14:09

I am not afraid of the dark and I love my black out curtains.

However when I was diagnosed, I slept with the light on low for six months, it helped to be able to see things as opposed to pitch black.

Plea bargaining with God seems more reasonable in a half light, and also it stops the what ifs crowding in to your darkness.

Sorry that was a bit deep.

Original poster

OldAndWornOut · 04/05/2019 14:13

The deeper the better.
It's so interesting to hear how it affects people differently.

OP posts:

Stiffasaboard · 04/05/2019 14:15

I’m afraid of men trying to hurt me

Both outside when I’m walking the dog and inside if I’m alone at home and fear a break in/intruder.

Both of those situations are hugely elevated and compounded by the dark/night time

BlueMerchant · 04/05/2019 14:19

Love the dark. I feel cocooned and get a strange sense of clarity as if all the humdrum dramas of life have been put to rest. All my insecurities and worries seem highlighted in the day. They seem to whither away as it gets dark.

Original poster

OldAndWornOut · 04/05/2019 14:19

Yes, I think I am, too, when I'm out, if I'm honest.
My heart sinks when there is a group of young men (or women, to a lesser extent) congregating around the shop and I need to get through or around them.

OP posts:

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