I Have a Genuine Phobia to the Dark. How Can I Make My Family Understand?
Published: May 10, 2021 · Last reviewed on this site: 2026-10-30
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The question
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I'm 19, and I've always had trouble sleeping. However, my parents/grandparents don't get it. Any time I bring it up, I get told it's because I leave my lamp or a light on. What they don't seem to understand is that I am so afraid of the dark sometimes I can't even go to the bathroom at night. How can I make them understand that turning off the lights will make the problem worse? How to I make them understand that this isn't me being childish, but a genuine phobia I can't shake?
Signed: TeenHealthFX
The answer
TeenHealthFX is sorry to hear about what you are going through. It can be hard for other people to understand your fears since they do not experience them. We recommend trying to have a conversation with your parents at a time where there are little to no distractions and they are not stress or doing something else. It is important to have an open and honest conversation with them to help them realize your true fears.
In addition, it may be necessary to seek help from a mental health professional. They will be able to help you cope with your fear and learn tips on how to overcome it. If you need help finding a professional counselor and live in northern New Jersey, [Behavioral Health Services in NJ - Atlantic Health has great resources available.