TeenHealthFX - Answers - Feeling Scared At Night

Worries, Fears and Anxiety Disorders / Question
Published: June 18, 2008

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I don't know if I'm being paranoid or what it is but after it gets dark if there isnt a light on in the room im in i feel like something is going to pop out and hurt or kill me...i haven't had nightmares since i was 8(im 13 now)but im afraid something will get me while im sleeping and i dont know why...i think it might be because i watched too many scary movies when i was little and sometimes i hear things in my room even at 4 in the morning when im the only one up...can you help me?

Signed: Feeling Scared At Night

Dear Feeling Scared At Night,

It certainly is possible that scary movies are just too stimulating for you and that when you watch them the images stay with you in a powerful way that makes it hard for you to feel relaxed and calm when it’s dark out. In that case, FX just recommends that you stay away from any movies, books, video games, magazines, or any other type of media that is gory, scary, or disturbing in any way – particularly before you go to bed.

When kids and teens feel anxious, and that anxiety plays out as having nightmares and/or a fear of the dark, it is possible that there are other things that there are other things they are dealing with in their lives that may cause them stress and anxiety. Some examples might include dealing with a parent who has trouble controlling their temper; living with a parent who has a substance abuse problem; coping with parents who are fighting or in the process of a separation; dealing with peer issues at school, such as having confrontations with bullies; or getting caught up in mean rumors with peers at school. So in addition to limiting how much you expose yourself to any kind of scary stimuli, FX also suggests that you think about whether there is anything going on at home or at school that may be agitating or anxiety-provoking for you. If so, we recommend that you reach to a trusted adult to get some support and guidance in how to deal with these situations.

If you find that you continue to be very affected by how you feel in the dark, FX recommends that you speak to a mental health professional so that you can get an idea if there are any underlying issues contributing to your anxiety, as well as to learn some tools and skills that will help you to better handle these fears of the dark.

If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 973-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area. You can also contact your insurance company to get a list of in-network mental health providers or check with your school social worker or psychologist to get a list of referrals in your area.

Signed: TeenHealthFX