How can I stop my fear of the dark?

I am almost 18 years old, and I am terrified of the dark. I don't know what is wrong with me. Sometimes I will feel completely comfortable in the dark, but recently I've become very afraid. I feel as though there is a ghost prescense around me, watching me, inside my room, or outside my window. The worst part is a am always frozen to my bed at night, too afraid to move, or get up. I can't stand going downstairs at night in the dark, and I always have to run upstairs as fast as I can incase something grabs my ankle.
How can I get over this fear? It is really affecting my life, but I feel it is out of my control.

Too much scary movies. Have your boyfriend sleep over or see someone about your problem.

nearly everyone has at least 1 fear this is yours its nothing to be ashamed of but try going in your room at night and turning off the lights but get your parents to go in first and for your benefit check the room then they leave. So then you know no1 is in there but u. and just try to stay calm in there alone for a while in the dark.

IM SCARED OF THE DARK I HATE TO WALK OUT INTO MY KITCHEN TO GET A GLASS OF WATER OR WHAT EVER AT NIGHT. I HAVE TO SLEEP WITH THE TV ON OR A NIGHT LIGHT IM 20 AND IT DOESNT BOTHER ME TO BE SCARED OF THE DARK. THE ONLY TIME IM IN COMPLETE DARK IS WHEN I AM WITH MY BOYFRIEND because THEN I FEEL SECURE AND THAT HE PROTECTS ME MAYBE THATS WHAT you NEED IS TO FEEL PROTECTED.

well I did that for a while but im only 14 and it stopped... I think that if you tell yourself that there is nothing to worry about (unless you have a monster living in your house).

u got to phone?? ok first leave the light on and look at your surroundings see to everything is normal!! k the turn off the light and shine everything wit your phone and you'll feel a little better abt the dark or you could try not watching dawn of the dead before going 2 sleep that will keep you up!! lol

haha I have the same thing and im 18. but just try not to think about it, when you go downstairs just talk on the phone with someone OR turn the light on! who says you cant have a funky night like! Thoes Ipod Ihome things have really bright lights on the display, get one of thoes so you dont have a nightlight. Or get a dog.

Im really scared of the dark because for some reason in my house whenever it is light or whatever everything is calm and relaxing. BUT when I turn off the lights of course I hear noises that creep me out. But than I just think, 'Everything was fine just two minutes ago when It turned off the lights. The doors are locked and my dogs are by me so I'm safe and just fine, there is nothing to be scared of.' And I can eventually calm myself down. Just think of non-scary things and think of peacful things or what you want to dream about. Good Luck! <3

TRY TURNING THE LIGHT ON...

Well, you need to understand that it is not darkness you are scared of, it is the unkown. You are scared of something that could happen easier or seems to happen more often when no one is looking or the lights are off. Is there something that trigered your fear of ghosts or something/someone grabbing your ankles? Did you see a TV show or read an article? If you think about what caused your fear, you can stop doing/watching/reading it, but I think it works best if you accept it. If it is not true, understand that it did not happen so you have nothing to be afraid of. If it is true, take a look at the world and how many people are in it. What are the chances of it happening to you, one in about 6.2 billion! Get into a really good book or watch your favorite TV show before turning the lights off and try to get your mind off it. If it helps, sleep with the door open. Also, you may try reducing the amount of light you sleep with little by little each night. If you don't have one, get an alarm on your house. If you have one, sleep with a pet nearby. Make sure your doors are locked and you will be fine! Hope this helps and best of luck!
~Broadwaystar101

I am scared of the dark. but it's my dreams that get to me. I had to take pills. and I have to get back on them. I have gotten to where I won't even sleep

wow we have the same problem..I always think there is someone in my house or watching me..the grudge 2 has been the start of my phobia.I've never enjoyed being in the dark but after seeing that movie I am paranoid LOL

I know how you feel I am terrifed of the dark, what helps me a little is I sleep with the tv on but when I can't do that I have my dog with me/ also haveing someone else wit hu helps/ tell me if you figure something better out