Irrational fear of the dark?

Diseases & Conditions Bipolar Disorder
1
Ok - I feel completely silly asking, but I was wondering if anyone else has experienced an irrational fear of the dark, especially during the winter months when its dark till late in the morning. I have all this anxiety about the darkness in the morning and even late in the evening while I'm taking a shower and I have no idea where it comes from. Its slowly starting to pronounce itself again after a 2 year hiatus while I was on anti-depressants. Its one of those silly things I had when I was growing up and now that I'm an adult it has come back. I don't have any reason to fear the dark - no bad experiences, trauma, etc. I live in an ultra safe neighborhood but I can't bring myself to take my dog for a walk in the morning when it wasn't an issue last winter.
 
I'm wondering if its part of the regular anxiety that I used to experience and the anti-d's helped to ease it. I recently stopped the effexor I was taking in preparation for a more suitable alternative. I guess I was just wondering if this is just a silly little personality quirk or if it was something that was worth considering when I make the choice to resume anti-d's?
 
Thanks for the time to vent - hope you all enjoyed Halloween,
Putter
2

Hi, Putter -

It seems that all BPs have one or another type of phobia(s), god knows I have my fair share, too!   That's just yours, sometimes counseling can help, usually stabilizers don't.  Also, you might ask your doc about something like klonopin or ativan to treat you just when you need it.  Ativan is not as strong as Klonopin, it just depends on your level of anxiety.   Talk to your doc or therapist about maybe both therapy and medication. 

Shannon :-)

Variety is the spice of life, BP is the key

3
Oh Putter, I know exactly what you mean. I slept with a night light until I was in my 20's. Then I slept with the T.V. on. for the longest time. Now I have a street light right outside my bedroom window so I don't have to worry about it. Lucky Me, LOL. I'm not sure what it is I think is lurking in the dark, but I know for sure I don't want to find out either!! I personally have horrid dreams al lot, and when I wake up and it's dark it adds to my nightmare fear. I too, do not recall any trauma, or drama associated with the dark, I've just always been afraid. I'm sorry I can't offer any advice to cure the fear at all!! But maybe it helps just to know you aren't the only one.

Sandra

BP brings new meaning to Life's Little Ups and Downs

4

Thanks for the words girls. And you're right Sandra that it does help knowing that I'm not alone.

I only have a minute, but I hope that you're all well,

Putter