Worries, Fears and Anxiety Disorders / Question
Published: September 15, 2009
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Im 13. I have nyctophobia, nyctophobia is phobia of the dark!Its really serious, the other day i went down stairs in the dark my dad was in the other room and I start crying and breath really heavly and start shaking. i even use a night light can you help me come over this phbia?please! From Night light girl
Signed: Afraid Of The Dark - Night Light Girl
Dear Afraid Of The Dark - Night Light Girl,
TeenHealthFX cannot provide treatment over the internet, but we do suggest that you speak to your parents about scheduling a consultation with a therapist trained in working with adolescents and trained in working with anxiety disorders. Specific treatment techniques are often used when dealing with phobias, and when mental health treatment involves children or teens, the best results occur when there is family involvement in the treatment in some form – so it is essential to work with a therapist who has experience in treating phobias and in working with minors and their families.
FX can appreciate how frightening this phobia must be for you, as well as how debilitating phobias can be in general. But there are excellent treatments available for people suffering from anxiety disorders, including phobic disorders – so please seek out help for yourself as soon as possible so you can get the treatment, support, and guidance you need.
For more information you can see the National Institute of Mental Health’s (NIMH) webpage on Anxiety Disorders, including information in specific phobias, treatment, how to get help, and locating treatment services.
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
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