[rdgrad15]

Anyone else get this unsettling creeped out feeling of being in a wide open space alone especially at night? During the day it is not as bad but I feel so creeped out at night, even when I am indoors. The worst part is when a indoor open space has lots of windows and no blinds. Usually this is found in big houses and schools, as well as other public places. I feel safer in smaller spaces since it makes me feel more secure. I like to be able to see my surroundings better. It creates a more sense of security.

I used to not mind as much when I was way younger, but during my college years, I started developing these feelings. Nothing bad happened in college, just simply developed a disliking for open spaces as my college years went by and still continues this day. I would feel so creeped out being in the student center alone at night especially with there not being curtains on the windows. Although once curtains were installed, it helped a bit but I still felt creeped out. Now it happens in big houses I may be in as well and outside. Anyone know what triggers this to randomly occur? Nothing bad happened to me, I just developed it over the years. If I am with other people, not as much of a problem, especially during the day, but alone is different. Especially at night. Same thing for the gym. I hated being there alone at night.

[*Beth*]

I definitely have a sense of what you've described. I grew up in a large house and was creeped out by the expanse of the house and yard. Since I left my childhood home I have chosen to live in small homes or apartments.

With regard to uncovered windows, like the way you've described the student center (they all look pretty much alike)...yeah...there's a sense of looking out and not being able to see anything because it's dark, but anyone can look in and see because it's light.

I think your feeling of wanting to avoid the types of places you've mentioned is not unusual, especially when alone. I'm betting that the feeling comes from very young childhood. I think it's about feeling too vulnerable.

btw, I believe the definition of agoraphobia is "fear of wide open spaces." I'm not suggesting that you have that disorder, at all. It's just an interesting definition.

[rdgrad15]

Originally Posted by BethRags

I definitely have a sense of what you've described. I grew up in a large house and was creeped out by the expanse of the house and yard. Since I left my childhood home I have chosen to live in small homes or apartments.

With regard to uncovered windows, like the way you've described the student center (they all look pretty much alike)...yeah...there's a sense of looking out and not being able to see anything because it's dark, but anyone can look in and see because it's light.

I think your feeling of wanting to avoid the types of places you've mentioned is not unusual, especially when alone. I'm betting that the feeling comes from very young childhood. I think it's about feeling too vulnerable.

btw, I believe the definition of agoraphobia is "fear of wide open spaces." I'm not suggesting that you have that disorder, at all. It's just an interesting definition.

Yep I totally agree. Yeah that is a pretty accurate description of agoraphobia. Yeah I don’t think I have it, at least not a severe case since I don’t have full on panic or anxiety attacks when I am in those situations. Just a strong preference to avoid it if possible. Yeah it is possible that it stems from childhood. I did have lots of bad dreams back when I was little and would wake up seeing and hearing things that were not there. I still do but I handle it a bit better. That could be a part of it.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by rdgrad15

Yep I totally agree. Yeah that is a pretty accurate description of agoraphobia. Yeah I don’t think I have it, at least not a severe case since I don’t have full on panic or anxiety attacks when I am in those situations. Just a strong preference to avoid it if possible. Yeah it is possible that it stems from childhood. I did have lots of bad dreams back when I was little and would wake up seeing and hearing things that were not there. I still do but I handle it a bit better. That could be a part of it.

I believe that the discomfort with wide, open spaces is a survival mechanism. I mean, think about a caveman...where was he safest? Not in an open space where he could be attacked by an animal or another caveman. He'd be safest in a smaller space where he could easily observe his environment.

[eskielover]

I love the wide open places alone at night too. I own (by myself) a 10 acre farm with a out 6 acres as woods. I have had coyotes right around my house. Lots of night noises with all the wildlife. I like to check on my horse up at the barn on the hill late at night just to make sure all is ok. I use one of those headlamps instead of a flashlight. Eyes definitely reflect in that light. I had a couple of deer watching me one night. The raccoons were constantly watching me & saw a fox one night. I have to admit, now that I have my gun I take with me, I do feel safer incase a coyote would try to attack. Living rural curtains aren't that necessary but I do keep my front porch lights on & the light on my garage. I have night lights on in the house just because if I need to get up at night I want to see. Lol....I probably have been foolishly brave all my life because nothing has proved to me that I shouldn't be (so far)

[rdgrad15]

Originally Posted by BethRags

I believe that the discomfort with wide, open spaces is a survival mechanism. I mean, think about a caveman...where was he safest? Not in an open space where he could be attacked by an animal or another caveman. He'd be safest in a smaller space where he could easily observe his environment.

Yeah that is true, never thought of that.

[rdgrad15]

Originally Posted by eskielover

I love the wide open places alone at night too. I own (by myself) a 10 acre farm with a out 6 acres as woods. I have had coyotes right around my house. Lots of night noises with all the wildlife. I like to check on my horse up at the barn on the hill late at night just to make sure all is ok. I use one of those headlamps instead of a flashlight. Eyes definitely reflect in that light. I had a couple of deer watching me one night. The raccoons were constantly watching me & saw a fox one night. I have to admit, now that I have my gun I take with me, I do feel safer incase a coyote would try to attack. Living rural curtains aren't that necessary but I do keep my front porch lights on & the light on my garage. I have night lights on in the house just because if I need to get up at night I want to see. Lol....I probably have been foolishly brave all my life because nothing has proved to me that I shouldn't be (so far)

I’m glad you are comfortable with your surroundings. I would also imagine being out on a farm may be different since you are more isolated, at least from what I understand about farms.

[eskielover]

Originally Posted by rdgrad15

I’m glad you are comfortable with your surroundings. I would also imagine being out on a farm may be different since you are more isolated, at least from what I understand about farms.

We are more isolated BUT those are the places that get robbed too because they can steal without anyone seeing it. Had that happen on the small farm next to me before new owners started rebuilding the unfinished home into a gorgeous rustic mansion. Their presence there & doing target practice there is basically a warning to anyone thinking about messing around in our area. Word travels fast in small towns. I also know the head sheriff & can call any time I need one. That is the benefits of small town ... BUT there is a lot of drug activity around here & those people can be dangerous anywhere when they are desperate. Can never be too cautious or too prepared when living in the country

[rdgrad15]

Originally Posted by eskielover

We are more isolated BUT those are the places that get robbed too because they can steal without anyone seeing it. Had that happen on the small farm next to me before new owners started rebuilding the unfinished home into a gorgeous rustic mansion. Their presence there & doing target practice there is basically a warning to anyone thinking about messing around in our area. Word travels fast in small towns. I also know the head sheriff & can call any time I need one. That is the benefits of small town ... BUT there is a lot of drug activity around here & those people can be dangerous anywhere when they are desperate. Can never be too cautious or too prepared when living in the country

Yeah true, that makes sense. Always good to be cautious.