Anyone Else Hate A Dark House

[Bill Dickerson]

I guess it goes back to going into too many dark houses on raids. Seems nobody ever had their lights on. It doesn't have to lit up like a Xmas tree but I want a few lights on. I'm always getting fussed at about leaving lights on in the rooms.

Whenever I leave and I know I will be coming back when it's dark I leave at least one light on in the interior. I like to be able to see into the house when I enter. There is always an anxiety coming through the door.

I keep the interior light off on the inside of my vehicle so I'm not silhouette when I'm inside. This isn't as bad as it once was when I would jump if the interior light came on.

I really wish family Members would understand. I've explained it but it seems my anxieties aren't important. That's very frustrating.

I even pointed out that a Vet who had just come back from overseas had to clear the house each time they came home and the family couldn't enter until he had. The comment was it's sad that someone would be that upset and have to deal with that.

That was after I had just explained my reason for needing a light left on inside the house and it was summarily dismissed. Made me feel about an inch tall.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

I am sorry you are not being understood. I always leave a light on outside and in the house. I used to check under the beds and check the closets along time ago. I finally just left on the 2 lights and I am ok.

I hope somehow your family will begin to understand your anxieties. Iam sorry you have to deal with this problem. Good luck.

 

[Bill Dickerson]

Come on I see people have read this. Nobody else has this issue?

 

[KP the nut]

I can't go from a room with lights on into a dark room. I always have the feeling something is lurking in the dark ready to leap out at me.

I can't even watch anything like that on TV. You know the cop shows I mean, even CSI. Why can't they turn the damn lights on.

 

[Taven Carlsen]

Generally, whatever sets you off your family should be understanding and try to accomodate.

Specifically, in my case what I went through never happened while it was dark but instead with waaaaay too many lights on so I don't react the same way. In fact thanks for asking about this Bill b/c I hadn't thought of this before. Didn't realize there was that pattern.

So it's not surprising it's down to the pattern of trouble you've been through, what kind of pattern your symptoms will have.

 

[AzureMind]

What's the harm in having a few lights on during the night to help ease one person's mind?

As for myself, I don't really mind having them on or off, but that has to do with my traumas; my father used to be a violent drunk/drug addict, and whenever he was high, EVERY light in the house was turned on, and he had to let EVERYONE know. So I kinda prefer NOT to have lights on...it makes me feel more peaceful. But I do like to have my laptop on with the sleep screen on, and smooth jazz, or something calm playing in the background.

 

[Loveneverfails]

I have to have a light on as well. Part of my trauma is directly related to being plunged into total darkness and so I panic if the lights are off. I always keep a light on, I simply didn't give my family a choice. At least one light was on. It's such a small thing, that I believed and still believe, it's nothing they need to even have an opinion about. It's for me. I know it seems pushy, but it's better than a panic attack every night and a very unhappy spouse/family member all day. I'm sorry your family is so unsupportive on this issue. Perhaps you might sit them down and explain to them that this is an accommodation they can and should make as it's such a small one on their part and would bring a BIG comfort to you? I know the 'don't take no for an answer' approach isn't for everyone, but sometimes it works.

 

[AngelKeeperJ]

I don't sleep in a completely dark house. I can't see much without my glasses, and my brother used to jump out and spook me whenever he could. I've always startled easily. Some people like to use it against you, to tease, and irritate you to see if they can get a 'rise' out of you!

Lots of people may need a 'night-light-' but don't want to admit it. I just hate stubbing my toes and running into doors. Self-preservation.

 

[Loner]

I actually feel completely opposite. I don't mind having lights on, but I've always felt very safe in the darkness, as if I could effectively hide from whatever might hurt me.

 

[Kendra]

I don't like it when its dark. I get very hypervigilant when it's dark.

 

[whirleygurl]

As a child (abusive childhood) I had night terrors all the way up until I left home and always had to sleep with a light on. As an adult, I don't have to anymore unless i have nightmares or my husband is away and I'm sleeping alone. Then I always turn a light on in the hallway.

During the day, I actually prefer the curtains partially drawn. Not completely dark, but I like a somewhat darkened room during the day. Bright light bothers me.

 

[Privateer]

I like the dark, so long as I'm not alone.

Only at night, though. I hate missing out on sunshine. We don't get much of it up here at 57 North...