Help overcoming a fear

big_white_dog84

big_white_dog84

big_white_dog84

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8 Jan 2004
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I carry out out-of-hours standby duties at my work, and these often take me into remote company buildings in the middle of the night.

I don't have a fear of the dark, but I do have an intense fear of being in these remote areas on my own at night - the feeling of opening up the buildings, hearing the doors creak closed behind me, walking along dark corridors etc makes me tense up with the thought of what might be hiding there. I know this is irrational, because in the 80 years my company has existed not one person has ever had anything happen to them while out alone at night. I really need to get over it because it is starting to affect my ability to focus on the task I have been called out for, and is therefore having an affect on my career in general.

Can anyone offer any advice on how to overcome this fear? Anything I find on google refers to people who can't put the light out when they go to sleep - which is no help to me at all!
 
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Just to clarify: are you afraid of ghosts or real people?


To be honest, you should go a little easier on yourself; your job would probably scare most people!
 
This reminds me, what happened to 'Creepiest thing thread' ? Any more experiences to post in that thread?:D

Btw Op, what does your work involve?

Are you usually alone?
 
You just need to do the job for a bit longer. Eventually you'll get used to it.

I used to get weirded out by going downstairs in my house at night, lights on or off! Now I can wonder around the old disused airfield I work at that is pitch black with all sorts of funny noises and not get freaked out. There's the odd thing that makes me feel the old "ERM :|" but it's hardly worth mentioning.

:edit: How long have you been doing this?
 
Watch something nice to calm you down, like a relaxing minecraft video.

Perhaps you could also play through Amnesia on a laptop to keep your mind off things?
 
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Zefan said:
You just need to do the job for a bit longer. Eventually you'll get used to it.

I used to get weirded out by going downstairs in my house at night, lights on or off! Now I can wonder around the old disused airfield I work at that is pitch black with all sorts of funny noises and not get freaked out. There's the odd thing that makes me feel the old "ERM :|" but it's hardly worth mentioning.
Click to expand...

I still do :o
 
I find that carrying something that can be used as a weapon with me normally makes me feel more secure in un-easy situations like this. Just knowing you're better able defend yourself should the need arrise can calm you down a bit.

Something that you will be allowed though, obviously.

The brain is amazingly good at scaring its self at times.
 
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