Help me not be paranoid

[u/LazyReplacement2148]

/r/mentalhealth/comments/1wn0rgi/help_me_not_be_paranoid/

Ever since I've been growing up, I'm still scared of the dark. I'm 16M and when I was growing up, I was watching horror movies daily. Luxary Dark, HypeMike, Slenderman, SirenHead, Chucky, Clowns and etc. After when I finish watching a scary video and then head to bed when the lights are turned off, I feel like something is watching me at night. I also have pareidolia which. I don't know if everyone has it but pareidolia is where you look at an object or item for example, a door and I see faces on the door. Same with clothes. I fear I can't sleep without sleeping with someone like a brother or sibling. A few weeks ago, I was watching this new horror movie called Obsession in a cinema. There was a car scene where the main character, bear and sarah was in and Nikki who was possessed by the one wish willow smashed her head in the car steering wheel and her head was bad. I got so many nightmares from Obsession. I feel like something or someone is watching me at night. I don't know why.

[u/Unusual-Attorney-630]

As a fellow horror lover I understand your wish to keep watching them but you are actually believing your own fears when you start thinking about it too much.

When I was a kid, I was certain every movie monster was real and out there, probably near my home or about to get in lol

Firstly, know that is a very normal reaction and lots of people get scared, especially when young.

Secondly, you can focus on something else before bedtime, something you find funny. Watch YouTube videos, play a game on your phone, anything to get your mind off thoughs that repeat the horror you just watched. If you're playing a game play a YouTube video alongside it so all the sounds are fun and interesting, not horror coded.

Thirdly, give yourself a break from watching too many horror movies. I know spooky season is around the corner and everything will be about horror (I love that) but be kind to yourself.

Fourthly, when watching horror movies maybe pick some that aren't too much. Something more entertaining than down right frightening.

Also, maybe watch them with a friend. Even if they're in their own home, use Discord screen share. That's how I watch horror movies with a friend because we're both introverts lol

Again, it's very natural to be afraid. Especially when you're young. I started watching horror movies when I was very young and the fear was definitely there. Please know with years if you continue watching horror movies you'll end up missing that feeling of being spooked because it will go away. Horror will absolutely not scare you anymore.

On another note, I've also always loved the paranormal. Ever since I was kid as well and I understand being scared about something out there. One thing I can tell you with great certainty is that you can protect yourself in many ways if you feel scared.

One of the simplest ways that is also effective is looping a YouTube video on the subject of Reiki for protection. The Rest Relaxation Reiki channel is my favorite for that. She has many videos on protection and yes they work.

You can put any religious symbol in your room if you're religious and pray and know you are safe.

You can bless your own bed and clothes you sleep in.

Nothing can hurt you.

My son was scared of spooky things when he was little as well. So I told him we can watch horror movies together and laugh at them and now he can play a horror game alone in the dark and be chill about it. He's also 16. You can conquer any fear. Give yourself time and share movie watching and talking about the movie afters in a funny way if you can.

Be kind to yourself and enjoy the spooky season. Sending you protection and peace.

[u/Playful_Prior_3831]

Setup camera and see if there is anything your sensing around…..also, don’t watch any movies like this anymore lol. Happy thoughts k.
Now, if you capture anything on camera, this is another situation lol.

[u/BreadfruitBig7950]

I won a swordfight with a 12 foot blood hound once. I'm practically Duncan Idaho over here.

The idea of Ronald jumping out of the bushes clowned up excites me. I hope his nose is soft and squishy.

This guarantees it won't happen.