Step right up, kids! Today, we are diving into the fascinating world of the fear of darkness — yes, I’m calling it fascinating. Now, some of you might consider fear of darkness to be quite childish, while others are nodding in agreement that it is literally affecting their lives. But fear not, for we’re about to unravel its mysteries together, with a friendly and amusing twist.

Picture this: you’re tucked cosily in your comforter, ready for a peaceful night of sleep. But the moment your mum turns off the lights, your heart starts pounding and your imagination runs wild. The boogeyman, monsters under the bed, or someone seeing you suddenly comes to life! Even the smallest crack of the cupboard door, a slight airy sound from the ceiling fan will start giving you creeps. Yes, my little friends, we’re talking about the fear of darkness and things related to it.

It’s a common fear indeed, but a fear that affects a lot of people, including me at one time of my life. But thankfully it doesn’t affect me anymore. How? Let’s discuss this below and how we can overcome this fear by bringing simple changes in our routine.

There is no doubt that darkness has the power to play tricks on our minds. Our imagination takes centre stage, conjuring up all sorts of improbable scenarios. The main reason is that we can’t see things around us clearly, and when we don’t see, we start feeling helpless and frustrated. We feel like we have no control over the situation, which can lead to anxiety and thus fear. Suddenly, that coat hanging on the back of the door transforms into a shadowy figure, and we feel as if someone is sitting on the armchair, while in reality it is just our clothes or other stuff lying on the chair. However, the good news is, this and all other similar mischievous thoughts and tricks are played by our very own mind!

Yes, when I feared the darkness, my parents just changed the whole scenario. They drew a picture of darkness and everything that was lurking in it (which was in my imagination); and turned the whole situation into a hilarious one, and then my fear was gone — forever! I literally laughed out on myself for fearing the dark.

So here is a hilarious scenario for you, too. It’s time to stop fearing the dark and conquer this fear with a brave heart and a smile on your faces. Here are a few tricks to help you overcome the fear of darkness just like I did.

Let’s shed some light on the situation, first!

Everything needs some time, so start by brightening up your room a bit, then start dimming the lights gradually and let your eyes adjust to the soft glow. Soon, the darkness won’t seem so frightening.

DIY night lights

I will advise you to dive deep into your creativity and make your own personal night light. Get crafty with glow-in-the-dark stars or fairy lights, hang them or make personalised lamps, believe me, they will turn a simple room into an enchanting one.

However, if you are not in the mood of making something for yourself, there are numerous options of soft and dim lights available, both cheap and expensive, in the market.

Night-time companions

The stuffed animals or toys that you keep with yourself can be your loyal allies in the battle against darkness! Keep them close and hug them tight.

The power of laughter

Lastly, instead of letting fear take the spotlight, let’s shine a comedic spotlight on it! Imagine the boogeyman tripping over his own shoelaces and break his teeth, gets up holding himself from the waist and goes groaning out of the door. Or imagine the monsters breaking into a synchronised dance routine. And if the witch starts whirling over you, imagine that she accidentally hits the ceiling fan and knocks down on the floor, crying out of pain. Don’t you think laughter is the best medicine?

Remember, my dear readers, fear of darkness may seem daunting but, with a light-hearted approach, we can overcome it. The darkness may try to deceive us, but we shall greet it with a smile and a twinkle in our eyes.

So, the next time you find yourself faced with the daunting task of turning off the lights, remember these light-hearted tips and laugh in the face of fear.

Published in Dawn, Young World, April 20th, 2023