[acidiccanine]

So for a long time now I have had a fear of open doors. As in I'm in a room and the doors open. Now I'm fine if there's people in the room with me, but two or less with me I become afraid. I don't why or how it started but I'm specifically afraid of this demon coming through and

Possible trigger:

ripping apart my rib cage.

If I'm alone this one scene of it keeps playing through my mind where he bursts in and

Possible trigger:

rips apart my rib cage.

If it helps it is this large monster that appears to have a human form. It is made of flesh and is bulky and mishapen. It has long black hair, eye sockets with no eyes and

Possible trigger:

blood dropping from them

along with pointy teeth. This fear of it is embarrasingly making me afraid of the dark as well for fear I run into it.

I am a mentally ill teenager who has anxiety, depression and maybe something else. I have a 3 or 4 month wait before I can go to the therapist. I'm trying to get the anxiety medication but my doctor insisted a professional prescribe it to me. I'm not sure I can wait the 3 or 4 months. Does anyone how to help me or what this could be?

[kingoni]

I have no idea what is the genesis of this fear. But you said "embarassingly making me afraid of the dark." Why are you embarrassed? For being afraid? That is human, that is natural, that is normal and the mere fact you were BRAVE enough to actually admit that? Damn, you have my respect

One possible thing to consider is gradual exposure. That is, be in a room by yourself (or with two or less people), i.e. satisfy the conditions which are likely to cause your panic. Have someone outside the door, so that they can come in and make you feel safe again.

Let the anxiety build up in you, for a VERY short period of time. 1 second, 5 seconds.

Then repeat, but build it up, very very slowly. 1 second. Then 2 seconds.

You are not weak. You are not stupid. You are brave and courageous for admitting that you need support.

[acidiccanine]

I guess really if anything to me this whole fear thing is stupid. I mean I can go on for hours as to why its irrational and doesn't make sense. But in the end my thoughts just get the better of me and keep haunting me with this fear.

Its really starting to limit my ability to be functional. And on top of that I cant find anything about this online. If I just knew why the reason why I'm afraid that might be a comfort in itself.

I probably should try that exposure thing and see how that works out.

Thanks for the advice

[ninetyone]

What if this demon is symbolizing something? Can you think of anything that causes you to feel so vulnerable from seeing an open door? Maybe it's not even the result of an event and the demon could be symbolizing vulnerability itself. It could be a possibility since there's a phobia for almost anything without having to be tied to a traumatic event or mental illness.

I have successfully tried the exposure method several times so I think it's a great idea. I'm actually afraid of the dark myself...and I'm 23.

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by ninetyone

What if this demon is symbolizing something? Can you think of anything that causes you to feel so vulnerable from seeing an open door? Maybe it's not even the result of an event and the demon could be symbolizing vulnerability itself. It could be a possibility since there's a phobia for almost anything without having to be tied to a traumatic event or mental illness.

I have successfully tried the exposure method several times so I think it's a great idea. I'm actually afraid of the dark myself...and I'm 23.

This. I think what's described is a very specific fear that is very likely a result of more generic fears we all have of demons/evil spirits/etc. and as mentioned may (or may not) be linked to some traumatic event.

The first step is recognition, then attempts to understand and manage your reactions as well as exploring the possible genesis of the fear.

[acidiccanine]

Originally Posted by ninetyone

What if this demon is symbolizing something? Can you think of anything that causes you to feel so vulnerable from seeing an open door? Maybe it's not even the result of an event and the demon could be symbolizing vulnerability itself. It could be a possibility since there's a phobia for almost anything without having to be tied to a traumatic event or mental illness.

I have successfully tried the exposure method several times so I think it's a great idea. I'm actually afraid of the dark myself...and I'm 23.

I suppose that could be a possibility. If that is the case though I'm not sure what traumatic event triggered the fear in the first place.

Ever since I was 11 I was always bothered by open doors and the idea that something might come in, but its only recently that I have become legitimately afraid/paranoid of the open door its self (about a year and half ago)

I'm curious as to why it is suddenly worsening now as well

[ninetyone]

Originally Posted by acidiccanine

I suppose that could be a possibility. If that is the case though I'm not sure what traumatic event triggered the fear in the first place.

Ever since I was 11 I was always bothered by open doors and the idea that something might come in, but its only recently that I have become legitimately afraid/paranoid of the open door its self (about a year and half ago)

I'm curious as to why it is suddenly worsening now as well

It took me about 20 years to link some of my fears to a traumatic event. Thinking about it now, it was incredibly obvious but I'm not sure why it went over my head. But don't forget that it could also just be a legitimate phobia. I think fear can grow if you allow it to, which could be why it feels like it's worsening. Until you can see your doctor, all you can do now is reflect on the origin of it and self-soothe. Another thing you can try is distraction; focus your attention on your phone or a game while laying in bed, instead of at the door. Or how about repositioning your bed so that you face away from the door when you're lying down. I hope these are helpful...check back in with your progress if you feel comfortable. I'll be happy to hear about it!

[Sesiley]

Originally Posted by acidiccanine

So for a long time now I have had a fear of open doors. As in I'm in a room and the doors open. Now I'm fine if there's people in the room with me, but two or less with me I become afraid. I don't why or how it started but I'm specifically afraid of this demon coming through and

Possible trigger:

ripping apart my rib cage.

If I'm alone this one scene of it keeps playing through my mind where he bursts in and

Possible trigger:

rips apart my rib cage.

If it helps it is this large monster that appears to have a human form. It is made of flesh and is bulky and mishapen. It has long black hair, eye sockets with no eyes and

Possible trigger:

blood dropping from them

along with pointy teeth. This fear of it is embarrasingly making me afraid of the dark as well for fear I run into it.

I am a mentally ill teenager who has anxiety, depression and maybe something else. I have a 3 or 4 month wait before I can go to the therapist. I'm trying to get the anxiety medication but my doctor insisted a professional prescribe it to me. I'm not sure I can wait the 3 or 4 months. Does anyone how to help me or what this could be?

Go to the hospital. It's paranoid...delusions

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[Dog on a Tree]

Because of my intrusive thoughts, etc, I would get concerned about allowing a demon into my life but this sort of thoughts occur after watching a horror movie or something of that nature or when I would listen to paranormal podcasts.

[shortandcute]

[acidiccanine]

Originally Posted by Dog on a Tree

Because of my intrusive thoughts, etc, I would get concerned about allowing a demon into my life but this sort of thoughts occur after watching a horror movie or something of that nature or when I would listen to paranormal podcasts.

I would love to write it off as just something from a horror movie or etc but these thoughts have been haunting me for years and its really start to limit my abilities unfortunately :/

[acidiccanine]

Originally Posted by Sesiley

Go to the hospital. It's paranoid...delusions

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Is it considered paranoid delusions if I can understand on some level that I'm being ridiculous?

Like I've always thought that the idea that a demons waiting to just attack me is ridiculous even though I'm still terrified of it happening and have never been able to rationalize the fear away.

[Shaly78]

Is this your only concern demons ripping the cage and open doors? I would say to journal everything that gives you anxiety. Give attention to everything. Even if its, for example, I feel scared or lazy to approach this person about a question. Even if it is I don't want to...That, I don't want to, could be anxiety self esteem fear lack of confidence etc. When you get into therapy your therapist can give you underline reasons to why it is like this for you.

[popuri88]

I can't sleep alone in the dark. My dog sleeps with me. I'm an adult and I'm terrified something can come out of my closet or somewhere else. I don't sleep or sit next to/with my back to doors and only started sleeping "alone" in my bedroom once I repositioned my bed.

This is gradually getting better. Years ago I wouldn't sleep by myself, with or without the dog and would leave a light on. If someone turned it off I'd instantaneously wake up, no matter how deep was my sleep, really.

I too suggest some controlled exposure. Can you trust someone to help you with this?

edit: oh my, this thread made me remember of so many stuff. When I was a teenager I used to believe my bedroom was haunted. I knew it wasn't, but it was an intrusive thought. I wouldn't sleep in in even in the middle of the day. I gradually started forcing myself to take naps there during the day by reading a book until I get sleepy. Then I tried going over the night and stayed the whole night up many times. I was simply unable to fall asleep before the sunrise.

Even now, I know I only sleep on my stomach with my head under the pillow when I'm really relaxed. I don't sleep in that position during the night in my bedroom... but will gradually shift to it as it gets closer to sunrise.