It took age, experience, and a whole lot of therapy time/support to get over being afraid of my shadow Mostly being exposed to really really scary things and finding out I didn't die was the biggest help. Back in 2007 I actually agreed to be on a "panel" and tell my story and I forgot what I was going to say (my own story and I forget? LOL) but because of my age, experience and all the therapy I'd had I was able to weather the really awkward pause, find and pick up the thread and continue through. Giving myself experiences like that throughout my life have helped me the most.