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How to get rid of fear and scary thoughts after watching a scary movie
Just a movie...
A lot of feedback from our unwanted thoughts post was from young people scared half to death from watching scary movies.
So here’s some specifics for that particular problem.
This was the actual list I sent a young girl so scared she slept with a bible.
I’ve kept this post very short to get to the solutions straight away…
Know this;
- You’re not alone — most people freak out after watching scary movies, even adults.
- YOU ARE SAFE. You aren’t in any more danger now than you were before… it’s just a movie.
- You won’t feel scared for long. It will soon pass.
- Scary movies are made to scare you, that’s their job.
- Part of your mind can’t tell the difference between a movie and real life. It’s THIS part that freaks out, but YOU know… it’s just a movie. Because of this, it’s best to be careful what you feed your mind — what you watch, think and imagine!
Do this;
- Do some exercise. You are in a “fight or flight” state so act it out — dance or run about, jog on the spot, do star jumps, skip, have a pillow fight, do some shadow boxing or press ups… whatever.
- Do what you can to feel safe. Be with people. Get lots of hugs from your parents, friends or even a pet. Hug a big cuddly toy.
- Keep your mind distracted — watch comedy, get absorbed in a good book, listen to relaxing music, anything you can to distract your mind.
- Each time a thought comes up, remind yourself “It’s just a movie” and distract.
- To help you sleep, download this guitar version of the famous lullaby tune. Right click the link and left click Save Target As or Save Link As…
Brahm’s Lullaby
FAQ
Q PLEASE HELP ME!!!
A If you follow all the tips in the article as best you can, that’s the fastest way to get back to normal. It’s all there, everything you need to know and do. Please leave a comment below if you’re having trouble following the advice.
Q Why am I sooooo scared just from watching a movie?
A Your mind reacts instinctively to perceived danger and changes your physical and mental state in order to deal with the danger — the “fight or flight” state. We evolved in nature where danger was real, like lions, and your brain still works that way. Read more
Q Why am I hearing noises in my house after watching scary movies?
A If your mind thinks “danger,” your body changes to a “fight or flight” state. One of these changes is that you notice sounds that you normally wouldn’t notice. Your house always makes these sounds but you normally filter them out.
Q Why are my friends better at watching scary movies than I am?
A We’re all different. If you were to measure fear reaction in you and all your friends, you would get what is called a “normal distribution.” Most people would be somewhere in the middle, a few would not be affected at all and a few would have an over-reaction. There’s lots of reasons why you react like you do… genetics, previous experiences, beliefs, sensitivity etc. Everyone is different.
Q Why can’t I sleep after watching a scary movie?
A As you settle down to sleep, there are no distractions for your mind, it’s just you and your thoughts. It seems as though you are looking at your thoughts through a big magnifying glass.
Whatever you fear, you will be reminded of — it’s just a primitive part of your mind protecting you against what you saw as danger. If you react with anxiety to your thoughts, your body makes adrenaline as part of the “fight or flight” reaction. This will keep you awake and stop you sleeping. Then a vicious cycle of more thinking, more anxiety and so on.
To prevent this happening, you need another focus and to stay relaxed. To do this, download the tune above and listen to it as soon as you get into bed. Put your attention on the music. This will give your mind something to focus on and the calming effect of the music will help you gently drift off to sleep.
If you wake in the night, remember, “it’s just a movie, no real danger” and then immediately focus attention away by focusing on your feet. Try to feel your feet tinging. And then try to feel other parts of your body tingling too. Keep doing this until you fall asleep again.
Q What about movies that are based on true stories?
A Saying a movie is based on actual events is just a way to get you more scared. An unusual event is often used to make unquestioned false assumptions, distorted, and then built upon further to end up with a story that has zero truth in it. In short, you can safely assume that no scary movie is true. It’s just a silly movie.
All the best,
Mike Kinnaird
Habit Guide: How to be Happy & Healthy
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I went to Universal Studios for Halloween because of my cousin and I have never seen a scary movie so I wasn’t used to it. Hopefully these tips will get rid of my Scary Thoughts. Thanks Mike Kinnaird
Sorry, I accidentally press enter, I am only 14 and it was ridiculously hard for me to sleep. Anything?
Thanks
Hi Gabriel,
Yes, I recommend a good relaxation habit before sleep. Take a few conscious deep breaths then go through each body part — starting with your feet and relax each one before moving onto the next. Just keep doing that until you drop off.
Do it every night — for the rest of your life :-)
When iam scared of a scary movie i just watched , i make sure i watch the same movie atleast a few more times, then the fae will go a way.
Hi Lucky,
Thanks for your comment :-)
Very interesting idea. I’m not sure your desensitization method would be good for everyone — esp. young folks. The risk could be making the problem worse but I can see where you’re coming from.
My wife just told me that if she’s scared, she’ll watch comedy or something like that afterwards — before going to bed. This is more in-line with the whole “keep your mind off it” idea.
To get rid of a fear simply use my advice :
1. find the scariest part in a movie
2. go through it a lot of times
3. if you smile your spirit will cheer up
4. Its just a movie
Hi Mike,
I saw a life show about exorcisme girl, I felt sick, and from than I could not be recovered from the bad idea that does not stop coming to my mind till I feel so week and sick, I talked to a priest and he said nothing i have to see a doctor!! I tried to read ur comments it help me till I saw something weard about a girl !!!! I’am praying I trust God he is the protecter and we’re his kids!!! but I cant stop my mind !!! what can i do??
Hi Rita,
When we have these “bad ideas” as you call them, we desperately want them to go away. That’s understandable but the more you TRY to make it go away, the bigger it gets.
As strange as it seems you need to relax about it. Not try but ALLOW these thoughts to surface and attach a quality of NO IMPORTANCE to them.
So just focus on OTHER THINGS and if a thought comes in about the exorcism them shrug it off and REFOCUS onto something else.
Persist with this simple method and your fear will subside. It’s the quickest way to get what you want.
Let me know how you get on,
Mike
i am a 16 years old girl .. and i LOVED watching scary movies .. i loved being scared .. but there was never any movie that scared the pants off of me .. until the movie paranormal activity came out … i am a religous person . im christian . and i know that things like that can happen . which is the scary part … and its been a while now that i watched the movie but i cant sleep !!! i have thoughts in my head from the movie picturing stuff as if it was in the room with me … for example if i see say my little sisters doll i picture it coming after me or idk just stuff like that .. and those thoughts dont stop ! … i am VERY VERY scared of the dark ! … i sleep with the lights on. but its gotten to the point where i sleep with my parents .. im 16 i shouldnt have to sleep with them EVERYDAY … i sleep with a bible . i pray . iv cried praying more than once… because of this.
… i only eat once a day because im just simply not hungry … i dont eat breakfast ever i eat at skul tuesdays and thursdays because they have salads and i dont eat dinner .. my parents get mad but i tell them i ate a big lunch at skul .. im a jr. and weigh 100 pounds and im 5′1 im not trying to lose weight … i just dont know what to do .. yesterday night i was lying in bed and i heard a noise onj the walls around me and on the roof as if some one was walking on the roof and getting the feeling someone was looking at me .. as if someone was in the room walking around … and i was scared to death !!!! …. my parents said they have seen a possium around the yard and that coulda been making the noise but idk ….
i would also like to add that this has gotten so bad i have taken 2 or 3 advil p.m. pills so they will knock me out and ill be able to sleep .. i get histericle if i dont have pills
Hi Wendy,
Don’t worry, these feelings will fall away in time. First of all – don’t watch scary movies. In fact, don’t watch anything that makes you scared or unhappy. As Mike says in the post, a part of your mind doesn’t know that the moview isn’t real, so it makes you ‘jumpy’ on purpose, to protect you. But in reality there is NO danger, you’re perfectly safe.
So don’t watch any more scary movies. I’m 33 and I choose to fill my head with happy things – and guess what? I’m happy :-)
If you do the same, you will be happy :-) So – no more scary movies, ok?
And remember – it’s just a movie. What you saw in that movie CANNOT happen, despite what other people may tell you. I can promise you that. I used to work in movies and I’ve talked with actors while they’re covered in fake blood, or ‘possessed’ or whatever. And they’re all very nice people, who drink coffee and like to chat. Nothing unnatural there eh? :-)
And houses make all kinds of weirds noises at night – you’re only noticing them now because you watched a scary movie. The noises were there before, you just didn’t care about them, you didn’t notice them.
And remember, as Mike says in the post, you are in no more danger now than BEFORE you watched the movie – because nothhing has changed has it? There’s no difference. You can see that right? You’re fine, you’re safe.
Keep leaving the light on at night if it makes you feel better. One day you’ll just forget to worry about this stuff and will switch it off.
Follow Mike’s advice in the post (re-read it a couple times) and distract yourself with happy things and thoughts whenever something scary pops into your head. That’s a nice thing to do anyway.
And don’t worry Wendy, you’re going to be just fine. No more scary movies from now on ok? And now every day that passes you’re going to feel safer and safer.
Hi Mike,
Thank you for the advice!!!!After I watched this scary movie I was so freacked out I didn’t watch a quarter of the movie:)thank you for your advice x1000000000000000000000000000!!!!!!!
when i watch a really scary movie like a recent 1 (paranormal activity)
i start frreaking out i scream histerically when i turn my light off p.s im only 14.i leve my tv or sumthing on all night, my parents try to calm me down but it dosent really work. most nights im awake till 3 in the morning!!!!
Hi Kyle,
Is it really worth it?
i watched a scary movie and i couldnt go to sleep so i searched how to get rid of scary thoughts and i read this and i was fine well i still regret watching that movie and i always have the image of the scariest part in my head and now all i do is imagine the director saying “cut cut you need to look way more scared like theres no 2morrow ” and the actor repiling “no one tells me how to act I QUIT”and then i start laughing and rember its just a movie but im still scared any tips
hi im 11 and well i watched a scary movie (paranormal activity) and it has been like idk 3 days and im really freaked i pray and sleep with a roseary and in my parents room but im still scared and mad at myself cause im not suposed to belive in that stuff but im scared and i want to know 4 how long i will be scared ????
Hi Emily & Nicole, your comments came in together and you have the same email address, so I’m guessing you’re sisters that watched this scary movie together, right? :-)
First of all… don’t watch scary movies!!
There’s a part of your brain that can’t detect it’s not real, so it puts you on ’spooked’ and ‘alert’ mode. But remember what Mike says in the article above, you are in no more danger now than before you watched the movie. ie. you are in NO danger because the movie isn’t real.
Emily, you are half way there, that’s great. What you described is perfect, just keep laughing at it because none of it is real. It’s all just actors dressing up and pretending to do stuff that looks scary when you play scary music over the top of it.
When a scary thought from the movie pops into your head, just remember it’s just that weird little part of your brain that doesn’t know the movie isn’t real. But YOU know it’s not real! So just distract your mind onto something else, think about your favorite thing to do and think about how warm and happy you feel when you’re doing it.
At first, you might have to do this several times but as time goes on, memories of the movie will stop popping in your head and one day you will say to each other: ‘Hey do you remember when we got scared of that movie?’ and laugh about it. :-)
Also, keep re-reading this page. There’s lots more great advice in the actual article and these comments.
Take care and remember girls, you’re safe! It’s just a stoopid movie :-)
I just watched the movie zombie land and it is really creeping me out! The night after i saw it i didnt go to sleep! Hopefully your tips will help.
thanks sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much!!!!!!!!!!
oops i didnt get to finish i literaly just found another way to get rid of scary thoughts and that is to go on a walk with a parent(or close friend, teacher, preist, etc), comepletly blank your mind, and talk about something exiting that is coming up or a funny memory. It is also very helpfull to use the tips you provided (belive me it helps so much!)
please get back to me on this (it is good to talk to someone else about this problem!)
Thanks,
Jake DeMark
Hi Jake,
What it all comes down to is NOT thinking about the movie. You do this by either not thinking about anything at all or thinking about something else.
Most people find it hard to think about nothing so actively thinking about something else (in other words DISTRACTING) is the best way to go. As well as the thought distraction, it’s comforting to be around people you like and trust, it adds to your feeling of safety and security. So what you described is perfect and very good advice :-)
Thinking about something funny is a good one because laughing actually alters your physiology (your inner state).
When you watch something scary, there’s a little part of your brain that doesn’t know it’s not real, so it puts you in ‘danger’ mode – what most of us call ‘freaked out’.
Laughing effectively tells your mind and body ‘there’s no danger, everything’s ok’. In fact, laughing releases endorphins which make us feel good. People who laugh regularly live longer and are happier, so it’s a great thing to do anyway…
So don’t watch scary movies and DO hang out with people you like, trust and laugh with :-)
I just watched “Orphan.” I am trying to desensitize myself to scary movies in time for a big megalodon movie, “Meg,” coming out this year. From what I’ve read in the book series by Steve Alten, it’s like “Jaws” on crack. It will be very cool, but up until recently, I have not watched anything more scary than “Carrie,” which I only watched once. After “Wolfman,” “Unborn,” and now this, a giant shark should be quite cool because I am an animal lover.
Thanks for the tips. I will take them to heart. I am off to pick a funny movie.
it was the holiday and all my friends are in different countries except me….mum and dad rented a video called Lovely Bones and i hate to say this but when i watched a movie i get all weird i always think it’s going to happen to me especially the girl was murdered the same age as me.I told my mum all about it and my mind was ok all day except night!i just can’t sleep!
I also watched 2012 and i got scared but i was ok with it now…can you help me forget every scary thought!
Hi Babyangel. Sorry to hear you’re having trouble sleeping after the movie. Have a re-read of the article above, it’s all there for you. And there’s more great info in the comments above. Let me know how you get on.
this is probably going to be very helpful cause i watched 4 extremely scary vids on you tube and havent been getting to sleep very well for about two or three weeks
today i just watched “the excorcism of emily rose” and its 2 am and i dont want to go to sleep. i cant get those images and facts (cause its supposed to be a true story) out of my head and when i try to distract myself i just cant…what makes me feel a lot better is knowing that people had already saw the movie and got really scared too and got over it….but i dont know…i just dont want to go to sleep… i have always watched many scary movies but this one is the worst…it really scared me a lot….can anybody help me?
Hi Mariana,
Cuddle up with a big soft toy, and a good novel. You need a consistent distraction. If a thought pops in, give it no importance and just carry on reading.
When you’re ready to sleep, keep your attention in your feet. Try hard to feel every little sensation in your feet.
Mike
what i do is listen to my favorite music and hang around my family and it helps secure and make you forget your fear.
Hi friend, yep, that’s the trick–forget your fear. Great advice, thanks.
i watched stay alive but it is still freaking me out since i watch it (4 times ) arrrrggghhh i want to go
I have watched the hills have eyes. the unrated one. and i am so freaked out. i hate it. i am almost 14 and if i watch a scary movie i will find myself between my parents in the morning im so scared. I NEED help. please. i can never go to sleep when i do. and it kills me. please help me.
Skye and edmochiuja,
The easiest way to not experience a pain in the butt is to not sit on a sharp pin.
Edmochiuja, in your wisdom you decided to make absolutely sure you can’t sleep by sitting on the same pin 4 times :-) Why did you watch the same movie 4 times if it scared the life out of you the first time?
Anyway, the easiest way to avoid a pain in the butt is to not sit on a sharp pin in the first place. In other words, stop watching scary movies!
But now you already have the leftover fear, it’s important to know that there’s no ‘off’ switch which will just remove these feelings from your life instantly. They WILL go but it will happen a little more gradually than that. Anyone that tells you different is probably trying to sell you something.
If you follow all the advice in the article and comments above, the fear will gradually fade away over the coming days and weeks and then one day you’ll realise it’s months or years since you even thought about the movie.
The key is to distract your thoughts onto something safe and cosy, when memories of the movie pop into your head. If the thoughts and feelings are too strong to distract onto something else, you must just let them “be”.
Then separate yourself from them by calmly thinking to yourself “Oh look, I’m having scary thoughts about the movie again. How boring…”. This separates YOU from your thoughts and attaches a quality of “no importance” to the thoughts.
After all, YOU know you’re safe and everything is fine. It’s just a little part of your head that’s popping up with memories of the movie. So separate yourself and let those scary thoughts and feelings just “be”. They’re not you, YOU are fine and everything is ok. After a while, your brain will stop popping those memories in there.
Let me know how you get on.
This was a very useful article to read, and you do make some good suggestions. The trouble with me is that horror movies do not cause me to lose sleep at all; what does make me lose sleep are real-life documentaries such as Bodyshock. Some of the people featured in this have often severe and highly disturbing medical abnormalities (stuff like the elephant man, etc.) This kind of thing scares me most because I know it was/is all real. I can get the thought of a girl possessed by the devil out of my head pretty quickly if it enters during my sleep, however when the real life horror stories enter my head it’s impossible get them out.
The reason I say this is because I watched a programme called The girl with 8 limbs last night and the very act of typing that makes me shudder. I’ve stopped watching stuff like that, but I’m afraid the damage has been done.
Hi BG,
It’s the same solution, exactly the same… essentially, remove attention from unwanted thoughts. There’s no end of horror in the “real world” you could pay attention to if you wanted to. The way I look at it is… if you’re not going to DO anything about it, why make yourself worry?
What we feed into our minds is as important if not more so, than what we feed into our bodies. Oh and on this subject–stay away from the most insidious horror show of them all… “THE NEWS.”
All the worlds dross and horror rolled into one neatly packaged format. What is the world view this show propogates??? A totally WRONG one. And our minds work the way they work. By watching all sorts of horror, you tell that part of your brain…. “This is a dangerous environment, Be ALERT, WORRY, S-T-R-E-S-S.”
That part of your brain can’t tell the difference between real and TV, movies etc. It’s just responding to what you see and how you FEEL about what you see.
Think happy thoughts :-)
hi just watched the 1 2 and 3rd rudge and halloween but that wasnt really sary but the grudges were and i am only 12 and i am scared to go to sleep cuz there are parts that are really disterbing and this is the 2nd night and im freakig out and i dont want to tell my parents cuz they would be like its not real and i know that it isnt but i cant distract my mind only in the day and not in the night the night i get bored and i want to listin to music but then i have already listing to every thing on my ipod and i dont want to be left alone because its so scary and all my friends are scared to but i said i wasnted paying any attention and then u hear the noises then u get so freaked out then u start to worry one of the ghost/ possed/ curse will find you and i am so freaked and i dont want to turn off the lights at all so plz help me
Hi Susannah,
When we watch scary movies, we push those instinctive buttons in our minds that can’t tell the difference between real and movie. So that’s really cool to know that this is just how the mind works–that part of your brain can’t tell real from not real. But YOU, the intelligent you, know it’s just a movie.
That won’t stop the fearful thoughts coming because it’s just the mind playing out but when they come, you can just notice it’s just the mind playing out and distract away.
If you get a big cuddly toy and imagine it has the magical power to keep you safe. Hug it and you’ll feel safe. If you can keep imagining the feeling of safety it will help calm you down.
Generally, you want to not dwell at all and do stuff that means you’re distracted for long amounts of time—like reading, studying, watching you favorite TV shows etc. If you feel anxious it’s good to try to exercise, dance, run whatever you can do.
Stay distracted, give no importance to thoughts and feelings because you know it’s just your mind trying to protect you from what it thinks is real but isn’t. When fear comes, remember you feel safe, hug your furry thing and think safe thoughts like how great it is to be protected by your house, family, friends etc.
These fears won’t keep coming. Give them no importance and they will die away quickly.
I sent you something to help you sleep.
thank you mike for everything and the email you sent really did help and i will remeber that and thanks alot :) :) thanks a bunch :)
Susannah, it’s really wonderful to hear that (I had a strong feeling it would work for you). I’m so happy it’s all worked out.
Stay away from those scary movies now! :-)
I had another thought actually… they are purposely designed to scare you half to death so it’s no real surprise when they work :-) But at your age… it’s just too traumatic — I’m sorry you had to go through it.
Stay away I say and feed your mind with beautiful things that feel good.
Take care Susannah, and thanks for writing back,
Mike
this is very helpfull. x
plz help i am really scared
i am in the same case as susannah plzn help me i feel like crying i watched grudges 2 i am in fear when i am even scared while i am typeing now plz help
Hi Ashwin, I’ve sent you an email.
in this scary movie (the exorcism of emily rose) it says the all the scary stuff happens when you suddenly wake up at 3 am… lately i’ve been waking up at 3 am for no reason and the first thing i think about is that movie….my friends and family just laugh at the fact that im still traumatized with that movie after 2 monts… but idk what to do, when i wake up i get really nervous then at 4 am i can go back to sleep…still im very sleepy the next day…. i just want to sleep the straight night like i used too… but now i dont know why i keep getting up at 3:00…. help?
Hi Abigail,
First of all, scary stuff doesn’t happen at 3am or at any time, because it’s just a movie. Remember, the movie is designed to scare you — that’s what it’s supposed to do. So well done to the people who made the movie. Big check for them! Job done :-)
Secondly, you’re not waking up at 3am for no reason. The chances are, you’re waking up at 3am because you’ve told your brain to ‘look out’ for 3am. You’ve done this without meaning to, as a result of watching the movie.
Have you ever experienced that odd thing where you set your alarm for a time (eg 8am) and you wake up at like 1 minute to 8? I’ve experienced this several times (and so have many other people), even when the time I’ve set the alarm for isn’t the USUAL time I get up.
This shows that our brains and physiologies are extremely time-sensitive. What you’ve probably done is told your brain that 3am is important, and so it’s waking you up at that time as a result.
What you need to do is drop the issue completely. When you stop thinking about it entirely, you’ll go back to sleeping normally again.
So remove all clocks and watches from your bedroom. This way time becomes a non-issue. If you wake up during the night, just turn over and go back to sleep. If you become too awake to sleep, put your attention into your body and relax all your muscles.
If you need to keep an alarm clock in the room to wake you up in the morning, throw something over it so you can’t see what the time is during the night.
This is a good tip anyway, as a lot of people who wake up during the night look at the clock and then stress about the fact that they’ve only got (say) 2 hours before they have to get up for work or school. Which of course makes it a lot harder to go back to sleep :-)
So… drop the problem by not caring if you wake up during the night. If you do wake up, don’t care what time it is.
This will re-train your brain that it’s ok to let you sleep right through the night again.
All good. I would like to add, in my official capacity as health and safety advisor that according to directive 24507457 parts a and f, it is not advisable to cover electrical items connected to a mains outlet as this may cause it to 1) overheat or 2) blow up and destroy everything.
Covering the “old style” mechanical devices is acceptable. Electrical ones can be turned the other way or similar methods employed so as to remind the “wakee” to not care what bloomin’ time it is.
End-of-message.
Thank you.
Hahaha – thank you Mike! Yes, best just turn it round then, or ideally, don’t have any time pieces in the room at all.
yes, but then one could be late for one’s engagements. Shall we settle on turn it around so as not to be late OR cause serious explosions :-)
:-) Yes, sounds good, there are probably very few people who don’t need to be up at a certain time.
So, electronic device in room, turned round with time not showing, without something covering it.
Alarm goes off in morning with no explosion incurred… Sounds ideal, if slightly dull :-)
i am really having trouble sleeping at night and these help but only momentarely any other questions to be honest it is 1:06 in the morning and i cant get them out my head please HELP my mom said idont have the money for a therapist so,i am really having trouble.
Hi Emily,
Sorry to hear you’re having trouble sleeping. We’ve added some extra tips to the article.
Get back to us to let us know how you get on.
Good luck!
Mike
Hi, im the kind of person who likes scary things. Scary movies and images really don’t scare me, but when i read 4chan’s Creepypasta stories, i am completely scared. The stories of paranormal and suicidal people absolutly scare me.I know it is fake and i usually find something else to do, but it comes back time after time, how do i get them out of my head?
Hi Julian,
Keep ignoring them — give no importance and distract every time they come.
i am so so scared write me back asap. please p.s im 11 and i just saw the forth kind i am freaked out :’( PLEASE HELPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Angela, Have just done an update to the article, try those tips.
Thanks this is some very good advice again this is a special thanks 4 u
hi its me again but i tryed EVERYTHING and it helped one part but i vant stop thinking about the laungeuge the ‘aliens’ speeked it said in the movie that the laungeuge was the oldest and i looked it up and it was TRUE plus Ashley that got taken by the aliens has never been found she would oved been 15 today also the real clips!!!!!!!!!!! i cant get 4get the ladys face im scard please write back its already about 11:00 please help me feel happy:-) again :’(
Hi Angela,
It’s best not to dwell. Whatever comes, just have the attitude “it’s just the movies” and distract. The scary feelings may linger but you know why they are there. Do your best to keep your mind off it and that is the quickest way for it to go. Just don’t care about the thoughts, don’t make them important, just shrug them off and pay attention to something else.
Thanks it really help,i can finally sleep.
Hi im a 16 year old boy. when i watched Paranormal activity 1 i was scared for numerous weaks. ut then got over it. then number 2 just came out. and the thoughts have all come back. and i cant sleep its my first night after watchign it But i know ive gotten over it B4 but i havnt gotten over it again. and i tried thinking of this game i like. but then the thought just comes through my game thought. and i think about that. then i heat up like crazy thinking im being watched. and i start hearing the house noises. is there another way please help
Hi Matt,
Fear creates anxiety — the heating up and a high alert state, hence you being more aware of noises in the house. The trick is to SEE INTO why all this is happening. “It’s just a movie.” When you remember that, when you see that clearly, you see this is a primitive part of your brain that can’t tell the difference between a movie and real life.
The anxiety will linger because it’s CHEMICAL. You can’t get rid in a few seconds. But again… SEE INTO the problem. See clearly what is happening. It’s just the stupid movie messin’ with your brain.
See into it and you’ll relax quicker… “It’s just a movie…distract.”
Thanks soooo much for this page:)I’ve just watched ‘The hills have eyes’ and there was a really really sick scene that has made me scared to be around anyone apart from my dad- which is stupid cos im 15. Arrrr i wished i hadn’t watched it, things like tat shud be banned from the telly!!Thanks again 4 da tips, hopefully i wont be scared 4 much longer.xx
Thanks for your comment Rosie! Stay away from those silly movies now!! :-)
Mike
Good stuff! This covers all my usual ways of getting to sleep. Unfortunately, after a late night viewing of The Exorcist, I can’t get to sleep. My main problem seems to be disturbing images thy just gross me out and keep me from sleeping. Do you have any advice?
Hi Nick,
The trick is to try and stay calm… when thoughts and images come, see why they are there… it’s just the movie messin’ with your head.
Let them come and go and be indifferent… distract away each time.
A consistent distraction works best… listening to relaxing music is good.
Try Brahm’s lullaby (see above) or some other chill-out vibes :-)
Thanks! I guess I was just trying to hard to fight it. I made up for my missed sleep with a lovely 14 hours undisturbed rest. :)
i just watched saw the first one and when the guy popped out of his closet that scared me so bad. I watched it at my friends sarahs, she was having a party and i was the only one that got scared. I tried going into my room but everytime I try to it scares me. The police are coming to my house and i dont think i will be normal since, I’m shaking like crazy, all my friends are coming over. I’m 12, almost 13, and she lives 2 houses away, i had to get a ride home. I am terrifide and i need help, please respond asap
If you are totally terrified Joey, the best thing is exercise… dance around the room, do star jumps, jogging on the spot, press ups, bash pillows… burn off that energy. Fear creates “fight or flight” state in your body… your mind thinks you are in danger… so respond in the natural way… run around, have a fight with your pillows etc.
There is a saint book out there you can read it is called “saints” if you read like 8 pages…YOU’LL BE FINE IN NOTIME!
please,notify me if it works,if you dont have a book just watch some funny stuff on youtube or if your not allowed on youtube,SLEEP WITH ABIBLE,or read it:)
Thanks Emily. I think it’s a great idea to read about saints to distract your mind.
i think this works a little bit but not a lot because i am still scared to go to sleep an everything like that i dont like being scared of scary movies i do a thing called relaxation chamber this is what i do i first bring all my friends in family in the room with me then we all say a prayer and soke that prayer into our minds for like 5 minutes and then we all watch a good movie if any comments tell me is that the right thing to do??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Hi Paige,
If it makes you feel better, that’s a good thing to do :-) When you watched the scary movie, you told a little part of your brain that you were in danger, so it’s put you on “alert” mode.
Your aim is to let that same part of your brain know that all is well — that you are safe. You can do that many different ways: talking and laughing with friends and family, watching funny/feel-good movies, watching comedy, reading a book (one with a happy story!).
There is no on/off switch for fear and scary thoughts. Your brain is much more subtle than that. You must simply keep telling it that you are safe and at some stage you will suddenly realise that you have gone days, weeks, months without even thinking about the movie.
Download the tune above — it will change your emotional state from “fearful” to “safe” very quickly. Play it as often as you need to.
hi, me and my brother are 11 and 9 and we was watching a scary movie..so i was wondering if i could read this and you no its actually really helped us we just need a little more and we will be fiinee but after that film (the unborn) we are never going to watch scary films again!! but please we recomend you to NEVER EVER watch it!!!!!!
Hey! Me and my mom just watched a scary movie, and she’s more of a scaredy cat than I am, but don’t tell her I said that ;) I’m sixteen and I found this article extremely helpful. I used to have really bad anxiety as a kid, and what I ended up doing was wearing ear plugs when I went to bed, sprayed lavender scent on my pillow and comforter, because the smell calmed me down and it distracted my thoughts. Now, I’m much better about falling asleep. I read for a while to relax, then watch That 70’s Show until I fall asleep. Don’t worry, my TV has a sleep option. But anyway, thanks for this article! It’ll help my mom out tonight when she’s trying to fall asleep. :)
Omg thanks that helped me a lot :)
But wile I was whatchig this scary movie I heard a squeaky noise and I got sooo scared but the weird thing is, that I. Not scared of the movie I’m scared of the noise I heard can u help me. Tell me that it was all in my head plz help :/
And also wile I heard that noise my mom was in shower and my bro was playing a game so I think that it was the shower but I asked and she said it wasn’t her plz help
Grace — You’re very welcome, glad it helped :-)
Hi Cloe, don’t worry, it’s perfectly natural. It’s just that watching the movie has put you on “alert” mode, so you’re much more sensitive to little noises in the house.
Houses make all kinds of funny little noises that we don’t normally notice. But because you’ve put your senses on “alert” by watching the movie, you’re hearing everything. Don’t worry, just ignore them or smile at the thought you haven’t noticed them before :-)
Download the lullaby above to help you drift off to sleep…
i reali get wt ur sayin and llike im one of those people who worry alot if sum1 teells me the slitist scary fact wat if ur scared of seein stuff ?
and im 13 by the way i didnt watch the movie bt i watch this sponge bob joke fing bout it and it showed u clips of the scary gory part and people have been teelin me bout it and i was cryin all last nite over it and i was shakin
Yep it worked
I was scared cos this merdra kiled tthis girl and she had blood coming down her face.
Hi I am realy scard of a movie. Can you please help me?
Hi Rosie, Are you ok now?
Well sort of.Cos this program is true . For an exampale say a big star hit this earth and coverd up the sun. What I am tring to say is you know about haw the Dinares and haw they died thats what I am scared of cos I think that it is going to hapen very soon.By the way I am 8 just about 9. So can you please please help me.
Hi Rosie,
Well a clever person once said “The worst things in my life never happened” — meaning all the bad stuff he imagined and worried about didn’t happen. BUT just imagining it is the bad thing cos it makes you feel sad or scared right now in this moment. There’s lots of stuff in life that you could focus on that will make you scared and feel bad. But you could also focus on just the good stuff and feel good! Then just deal with actual things in your life IF and when you actually NEED to.
I think it’s best not to watch movies and TV programs that scare you or make you feel bad. There’s just no need to.
Think about things you like, think about things that feel good, think happy thoughts :-)
Mike
Saturday night I watched Kung Fu hustle only five minutes into the movie I was scared out of mind.After the those five minutes I Went to bed but I way to scared so I slepted on the floor of my parents room until 1:00am and finally had the guts to sleep in my room.When I went On my room it’s just a movie and all the doors are locked.DONT BE AFRAID.
Thank you so much. I just turned 13 and I thought that I could watch a scary movie when I’m born a wimp. I got so scared I started freaking out in the bathroom screaming and screaming like a banshee. Now that I know these facts I can overcome my fears. But I still wont watch scary movies. I’ll stick with G-rated movies.
Please help for some more reasurrence. !!
Hi Kelsey,
The best thing is to keep going over the article until you’re really clear in your mind about what to do, then go ahead and put it into practice.
All the best,
Mike
Dear mike,
I’m 10 years old and after I got rid of the bad thoughts from the movie it made me think of other misfortunate things. Like if the house was going to burn down. Why am I thinking about other bad things, and what should I do?
Hi Jz,
If you’re in a general “fear” state, your mind looks for danger everywhere. Give no importance to arising irrational fears and distract your mind away. This tells your unconscious mind that really, there is nothing to fear and it can relax. The “danger” has passed and you’re safe again. Persist with this simple method every time an irrational fear comes.
Thanks for your respons it helped.
You’re very welcome Jz, glad it helped. You can use the same method for any unwanted thought — no importance, distract.
We were watching this tv program and when it finished this program called Dasrsters came on but I wasn’t watching it but when I was going to bed I heard it say there are lots of stars in the sky and some time one will fall on to earth and make a big blake cloud and cover the sun.So I wasn’t watching anything but I was hearing things.From Rosie.
Hi Rosie,
This is not something you need to think about much less worry about. A star isn’t going to fall to Earth. Large asteroids can be a problem but nowadays with all our technology, they are closely monitored by clever science bods :-) In short, don’t worry :-) Best to be careful what ideas you feed your mind Rosie — especially if you are sensitive.
Hey well when I was younger I was sitting onthe couch and scary movie marraton came on.my mom was working and my dad was passed out.know I’m 14 and I still need a night light. Ive been to doctors for his and that all seid that i was never going to be cured because my brain dosenr want to forget it. Any ups to help me.
Hi Pamela,
A scary movie MARATHON! Wow.
The way your brain deals with perceived danger is quite primitive. Just watching scary movies activates this part and a marathon? Well, you’ve told this primitive part that your environment is dangerous and it’s doing its job of warning you regularly and getting you to look out for it.
The trick to to reassure the fearful part that all is well. You can do this simply by first seeing INTO the whole problem… it was this movie marathon and there is no real danger.
Once you see why it’s there, then you give NO IMPORTANCE to thoughts, images or fear flashes that come. It is NOT important BECAUSE you see the cause was “just a movie.”
Then you distract… take your attention away and don’t dwell or ponder.
So… understand the problem then give no importance and distract as soon as you become aware of any thought or feeling to do with scary movies.
Repeat and be patient. Be sure to be indifferent and attach no emotion to arising thoughts. Don’t get upset that it’s “still there” or make it “a problem.” The correct attitude is always “This is nothing to me, just old rubbish.”
OK?
none of these thoughts help me i have tried this before it does not work i am 15 years old and i am scared cause i just seen scary ghost pictures
sorry i mean movies
Hi Cristy, these tips will work for you — it’s very difficult to flick off scary feelings like a light switch. You need to keep telling your brain that there’s nothing to be scared of. Follow these tips and download the tune — it’ll really help you feel safe again.
Ok, I have never watched a scary movie that scared me like The Last Exorcism. The movie was great, not scary at all…until the last like 5 seconds with the camera man running from the cultists the one shows up and decapitated him (IN FIRST PERSON VIEW). I just can’t get that image out of my mind. Maybe it’s because of the combo of shaky cam and first person view, but my mind always says to me, “that’s you getting killed!” it just freaks me out and I haven’t slept well for 3 days. It’s wierd because no other scary movie has done this and I have literally seen them all.
Hi Tyler, the solution is no different. You need to keep your mind off it as much as you can. That tells your brain that the images are not important, that the danger isn’t real.
Distract yourself with family, friends, movies, books… Don’t “watch” for thoughts about the movie — that’s more attention to it, just in a different way. Just distract yourself when those thoughts do pop in there. Download the tune above to help you sleep.
Mike,
I just saw Signs and I’m really scared. I feel like aliens are going to take me away. I know that extraterrestrial life is probable and that since they know of my fear they may telepathically tune into it. I have tried everything and cannot sleep. This movie has also alerted me to the fact that either I will die and be nothing or go with god and live forever. Both possibilities freak me out as an eternal life seems terrifying. I feel like I’m going crazy and have no one to talk to about this at school.
Hi Tony,
I agree with you that ET’s are probable given that the known universe is so big it’s unimaginable :-) The nearest star to us is 4.5 light years away — that’s just the next star in our own galaxy. Why worry about ET’s? Why worry about anything unless it’s actually likely. Even then why worry? Why not just deal with what comes when it comes? Any ET cabable of visiting us is likely is be highly advanced and so I imagine would want to help us, not hurt us.
Having said all that I think the chances of you or I ever encountering an ET is close to zero — so why worry?
If you’re curious about who you are and what happens when you die, I highly recommend the book Conversations with God by Neale Donald Walsch.
Saw green hornet saturday, after movie I was scared and didn’t know what method to use
I actually don’t watch scary movies, but when my parents watch them I hear the sounds and get scared, or I play scary games. Like I played the scary maze game (A scary girl pops up at end of third level DON’T PLAY IT! Me and my bff screamed and looked for ways to get rid of scary thoughts, we found this) And usually I won’t be able to sleep at night. Or I imagine me being in a scary movie… this article really helps!
That’s great to hear Kaitlyn, thanks!
I just saw the movie “the rite” i am soo scared and i keep thinking that just because i saw the movie it was going to happen to me
Hi Brittney,
Follow all the tips in the article and that’s the fastest way to feel better again. If you’re REALLY scared, exercise, after that… feel safe, keep distracted and sleep well by downloading the tune to help you sleep.
Mike
Hi. When I was scared at night, I would imagine a forcefield around me. Just imagine nothing can get through.
i just watched volcano the other day, and i practically freaked out from people burning in all of this molten rock and i just get scared that in the middle of the night that magma (lava) will come into my house!!!
trust me i don’t know why i watched volcano in the first place, but now my thoughts can never get out and i get so scared!!! please help!!
Hi Louie,
Read the 5 “Do this” tips very carefully and do them. Each one will help you to overcome your fear.
Hi,
I’m a fourteen year old girl whom is a fan of short scary stories on the web, especially “Creepypasta”. I’m Christian and I know that it’s not wise to read them but I cant help but think how there is a possibility that it’s true.
One story that plagues my mind almost constantly is one called “Roulette”, which is apparently a game that something unknown plays. The thousands of times you can’t see during the day such as when you slip your shirt on or off or swipe a towel across you face for a split second and you are plunged into darkness. You are playing “Roulette” apparently and during that split second is when something waits to pull you completely into darkness so that when you regain your sight you appear somewhere else only if you lose and that the hundreds of missing people cases around the world are the people who lost.
I can’t sleep at night because of that because it’s just much too real. I’m scared to close my eyes and sleep because unlike a movie I don’t know if that is true or not.
I need some guidance and a source I can come to ask if Creepypastas are really real or simply stories.
Please and thank you
Hi Kiana,
They’re not real. In a nutshell :-) Just like scary movies, the stories are designed to scare you! That’s their job. If they didn’t scare you, there wouldn’t be a point in reading them.
Please find other ways to entertain yourself. Ideas are very dangerous things! Powerful things are ideas. And if an idea that’s not true gets a powerful reaction from your unconscious mind it can lodge and be hard to shift.
Rememer: Importance and attention are the POWERFUL keys to turn the volume of thoughts up or down. What you pay attention to grows, what you GIVE IMPORTANCE to grows.
Remove both and these scary thoughts will die away.
But do yourself a big favor. Be CHOOSY about what ideas you feed your mind. Garbage in, garbage out. That one tip will set your life on a happy path :-)
The stories are just garbage Kiana. You can forget them and do something else in future for entertainment.
Mike
Hi, I’m 12 almost 13 and the other day I decided to watch Paranormal Activity. I started it and I wasn’t freaked out at all. Untill near the end. I’m a Christian. Which the true possibility of Demons freaks me out more. I’ve tried to distract and forget but I still can’t Sleep! P.S if you are a kid who wants to watch Paranormal Activity… DON’T it may ruin your sleep hours!
Hi Freaked out,
The possibility of truth is a key theme in creating fear. That’s what the writers aim to do — create fear. Clever mind tricks are used to get the watcher or reader to believe it. That’s why every time a fear flash comes, just remember “It’s just a movie, not true” or “It’s just a story, not true” then distract away. The only “demons” you need worry about are ones in your own heart and mind! :-) Anger, fear, worry, hate. Bad feelings feel bad so focus on feeling good :-) You always have the power of choice, the power to PAY ATTENTION to whatever you want.
Thanks :D I Feel a bit better
Hi well I watched a movie called Paranormal Activity ( I think thats how you spell it). Well I watched it over at my cousins house cos my mum was going out with some old friends from high school. My older cousin (she’s twenty one) said that it was her favourite movie and that it wasn’t scarey at all. And so I was like “Oh. Ok lets watch it then I can handle it no problem.” While watching it I was getting seriously spooked but I didnt tell them or let it show cos my cousin was sitting there all smiley. I got so creeped that I had to turn away at the ending. I’m still creeped and I watched the movie three weeks ago ( or four). my cousin said to watch it again with her and maybe I’ll stop being so creeped and start to like the movie. Please help me its affected everything I do. And not meaning to be rude or anything but please spare me with the whole it’s not real thing and that I should try and think of something else I already got that speak from my mom and once I’ve started thinking about something it doesn’t go away very easyly. If you can give me some suggestions on what to do to make me stop being sarced or to tell me how long I’ll be like this until it stops. So thank you very much for your time and goodbye! xxx
Hi Katieann,
Sorry to say: “Your mom is right.” You can’t see it as the answer because the thoughts come and make you feel scared so quickly. It happens so fast and sucks all your attention in that it can seem impossible to stop.
If you feel unable to pay attention to something else, then get up and do something physical — dancing to music would be good. Read again the 5 “Do This” tips and get really clear in your mind how to react when the thoughts come.
Hi Mike,
It’s not that I don’t know that my mum is right, I do know that she is but it’s hard to believe her when she’s not the one who has been through the way I feel right now. Your advice did help me feel more safe and I’m finding that I’m getting better day by day. I’m actually alright with having one full nights sleep and maybe not having much sleep the next night. And as for the advice on getting up and dancing I don’t really think that dancing at midnight would please my mum very much lol. I found one way to help me calm down when I get sarced, by listening to music until I feel better. Thank you for helping me but I’m just wondering if you had any idea when I’ll be fully recovered. If you don’t then thats fine either way thank you so much! xxxx
Hi Katieann, hmm yes, dancing at midnight not good :-) Listening to music is in our list of 5 tips — I’m glad you find it helpful. There’s also a tune to listen to right before sleep because it’s so calming. How long? Can’t say exactly but if you’re getting better day by day and doing all the right things it won’t be long, maybe just a few days, getting better each day. The main thing is to follow the 5 tips because that’s the fastest way to get back to normal. You’re very welcome btw, let me know how it goes :-) Mike
Thanks, this peice of music really did help me relax after watching a scary film.
Well thanks again.
Rebecca
I like the guitar version of Brahm’s Lullaby. It’s very soothing. Thank you for posting this. I just love instrumental music!
i watched saw a few months ago but i cant help it, i asked my mom lots of times to pray for me she prayed for me and said that she went to hollywood before and if you see something like cutting the head of it soooooo fake and she said that they make the body its not real but im still soooooo scared to death i always have to read a book every day and sleep with the lights on please help me!!!!!!!!!!!
also if you don’t know my name its jennifer and im 11 years old
hey mike, i really need help i can’t sleep also my brother has a question for you: is saw real? he saw it and he said it looks soooo real and it scared him half to death. can you please give me and him some advise?
Hi Jennifer,
Is it just bed time you feel scared every night? Our minds work powerfully by association, so every bedtime your mind is reminding you of “danger.” Of course your logical mind knows there is no danger but these fear reactions work on a more primitive level.
What you need to do is have a really solid bedtime routine… bath, read, listen to the tune we recommend in the article. If possible, ask your mum to come talk with you for 5 or 10 minutes too before you listen to the tune and fall asleep. So… bath, read, talk/cuddles, tune. Right. Now if the memory of the movie comes and you feel scared at any point during all this, quickly remind yourself “just a movie” and then distract your attention back to reading, talking, or listening. Even if you still feel a little scared, just ignore the feeling and put your attention onto the reading etc.
No, Saw is not real, it’s just a silly movie. Stop watching horror. Be careful what you feed your mind. Garbage in, garbage out.
~ Mike
thanks mike it made me feel a bit better i usally feel scared when night time comes i dont get it my brain does not want to get rid of it.
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!! i feel like im going to faint im still so scared arrrrrrrrggg i wiss i never watched that movie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!not ever my favorite disney movie can help me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jennifer, yes your brain does not want to get rid if you give it IMPORTANCE. Shrug it off when it comes like it means zero to you. Remind youself “it’s just a movie” each time then distract your attention away. If you feel scared still, just allow it to be there and ignore it, not caring or worrying about the feeling.
If the fear is so bad, then please EXERCISE. Your body makes adrenaline when you are scared and that is a chemical in your body that can linger around for a long time, especially if you view the feeling as important and therefore create even more thoughts, even more anxiety. To get rid of the adrenaline, exercise. See the srticle for some easy ways to exercise that will work.
usally when i sleep i shake a lot because im scared but i talked to my mom,took a bath,and read a book, and listen to music and my mind slowly pushing the thought of the scary movie away…..yay! thanks mike!!!=)
jennifer~
Wonderful, keep doing it as a routine every night and it will all soon be forgotten. :-) VERY happy for you. Keep on doing it right ok Jennifer and be careful what you feed your mind. ~ Mike
i think this will work
thanks,but when im alone or if i even think about it i get scared and shake i dont know even when i exersize i still get scared but im happy i have school tomorrow so i can talk to my friend about this.
jennifer~
Hi Jennifer,
It becomes a habit to think about it, for instance, as soon as you’re alone, thoughts return. This is also quite natural because in nature, where we evolved, it was more dangerous to be alone so our instincts are to stay together. Also, as I said yesterday, bed time is a key time to be sure to take your mind of it using the good routines we talked about.
The trick is to spot when the thoughts are surfacing and quickly turn your attention away with an attitude of “I don’t care.” This attitude tells your mind that it is no longer important to you. Do you see that?
Try to feel safe all the time and spend as little time alone as possible, for now. As this becomes a distant memory, you can go back to normal, but for now, our aim is for you to pay as little attention to these scary thoughts as possible… ideally ZERO. Attention makes things bigger in your mind. And if you keep on taking attention away, it makes these things smaller. Do you see that Jennifer?
Don’t worry. I’ll be here to talk things over as you move through this. OK? I’m here for you. Mike.
thanks mike i feel even more better i think im feeling better im not as scared as before and i talked to my pastor she said the devil is the one that made me watch the movie so i finally have control over myself!
jennifer~
Wonderful Jennifer, keep doing all the right things we talked about and you’ll forget about all this. Remember, in life you always have CHOICE, always. And you choose with your attention. Attention is the volume control for thoughts. What you pay attention to grows, what you remove attention from dies away. Get really clear about that and it will make a massive difference in your life.
You have power! :-)
~ Mike
Hi Mike,
I’m sure you remember me from previous posts but once again I’m just wondering…
What about the movies that are supposedly “based on a true story”?
Hi Kiana,
I updated our FAQ section in the article to answer your question.
Hello,
this guide is very helpful, but i cant seem to free myself from my fears. my fears are not based on any scary movie, it actually happens alot in real life. every time i think about it, it makes me feel like im actually there and i cant even bring my mind back to normal untill about an hour later. is there any advice you can give me to put my mind back on track? please and thank you.
Hi Jordan,
Once you identify your fear as dysfunctional, i.e. not helping you in any way, you’re free to get rid of it. When it comes, attach a new quality of “no importance” and then RIVET your attention elsewhere. Have FAITH in this process because results take a little time to come but this process can free you of your irrational fears if you’re consistent and persistent.
There’s more info about this on our unwanted thoughts post. The ultimate solution is to use mind control techniques above in conjunction with overall lifestyle factors because, for instance, your base mood and the functioning of your mind, are directly linked to lifestyle factors.
Read Habit Guide for the ultimate solution.
Mike.
does the same apply to scare games
Yes Max
What I do to get rid of a scary thought is picture the scary image I see and think of it singing ” I’ve got a lovely bunch of coconuts there the are all sitting in a row big ones small ones some the size of your head!” But sometimes this doesn’t work and when I go to bed at night I get tense and have to keep getting my phone to check around me with the light and I don’t want to be scared anymore so please help!
Hi Violet,
Keep reading the 10 tips in the article until you’re really clear about what to do. Have faith in the “to-dos” and be consistent in applying them — it’s the fastest way to feel better.
see? now, THIS is another reason y i love having a sister atleast 1 year older/younger than me.
(My sister is 2 years younger)
I was 11, I was never scared of the dark, actually, I LOVED the dark untill.. I was sick one day and was alone upstairs watching scary things on youtube & saw this girl in a mirror & she turned around & her reflection stuck & made a long face with no eyes & i WAS SCARED TO DEATH. I ran downstairs almost crying.
I’ve showed the clip to my friends & all they did was LAUGH & asked me:,, Anja, THIS is what FINALLY made you scared??” Since then (its been 2 years now) I’ve been scared of the dark. but i dont worry bout it that much because me & my sis sleep in 1 bed at night.
Another thing that doesnt make me feel scared in the dark is that our house at the moment isnt a “mansion” or has a 2nd floor.
Now, to get rid of my fear of being alone in the dark, I purposely go into a dark room & take a while to switch on the light, but for me its totally worth it.
I’m starting to grow out of it & im really glad its not as bad than the rest of the people here.
Remember, there is a THICK & VISIBLE line between reality & paranormal things.
and to add, THE NIGHT IS THE SAME AS THE DAY JUST DARKER.
Here’s a scary thought I keep having – Why is there such a market for these fear inducing horror movies? Why are we letting these people make money by frightening vulnerable human minds? Why would anyone make or act in the movie Human Centipede? We are in the first human culture to blur the line between reality and fantasy to such a degree.
I would like to point out that if these movies are upsetting to you then congratulations – you are a normal, good person and we need more like you. It’s those that feel nothing that worry me……Thor’s Blessing…Rodulf
Hi Rodulf, it’s a problem isn’t it. I think teenagers especially love to explore altered states… scary fairground rides, scary movies, alcohol, drugs etc and it’s almost a cultural rite of passage.
The big problem is that these movies are not only watched by people mature enough to know “it’s just a movie,” and have the maturity to ride out any emotional backlash from watching it. Very young kids get hold of them or their siblings goad them into watching and that can cause SERIOUS and prolonged disturbance in minds that are not mature, and when there is often no wise council from parents afterwards to prevent a bad situation getting worse.
I agree with you about the makers of these movies, but where there is a $ to be made, you can be sure the void will be filled. Change is always best coming from the demand side and usually education and cultural shifts works best imo. ~ Mike
Mike you are a saint seriously I watched the trailer of a scary movie and it scared me then i used ur tips and viola! i felt all better are you a sicologist you should be! Also watch funny videos on youtube it helps.
Hi Anna. Wonderful :-) It’s true that the quicker you see something in your mind as unwanted and take action, the easier it is to get rid of it… worth remembering :-) Good for you that you nipped it in the bud. Well done!
Hi Mike I watched the most discusting movie tralior and im not going to say the name because i dont want anyone else emotionaly scared like me. This was so gross and i watched it in February in my room at night and I didnt get to sleep till 2 and now its May and im still thinking about it and i dont know why. My mom didn’t know about this till a month ago. I cant get sleep. I’m sad and I’m not me anymore and i want to me me again and why am I not better? And why is it that when some people watch it they walk away but when i see it im scared for life?
Hi CJ,
Thanks for writing in. The first thing to understand is that our minds react to what we see as danger — whether it’s real or a movie. We can feel fear, be petrified and our bodies can change state to what’s called “fight or flight.” It’s a state your body goes into to save your life, and was the perfect response back in the days when dangers were more things like lions roaming about :-) In the modern world, these reactions operate in ways that aren’t really helpful to us.
If we see something and it disturbs us, we can also give it importance and meaning. The combination of feeling danger and giving it importance, means it keeps coming into our minds over and over. If it was a real danger, like a lion, this helps keep our attention on the real problem and is helpful until the danger is passed.
So all this that is happening to you is normal and natural but… it’s not helpful because there is no real danger… it was just a movie trailer that triggered these natural responses in you. Now if you dwell on it, keep thinking about it, it just keeps getting bigger and brighter in your mind. You also get very good at recalling disturbing images into your mind and creating new thoughts etc and the whole thing grows which has happened to you.
So that’s “what’s happened” and we must now reverse everything so you can be yourself again and be happy. What we need to aim for is that you FORGET all about it. First thing is to really understand, that although you may feel scared, there is NO DANGER at all, it’s just a movie. And it’s not important at all… the movie is just the result of some film maker’s sick imagination. Just a movie. Once you can see that and understand it you are now free to let it go because there’s no danger at all… just your mind reacting instinctively to images that trigger primitive responses.
OK… now just decide “I’m not thinking about this any more.” Your aim is to just keep your mind OFF the whole thing. The thing is that when you decide to drop it, thoughts will still come back for a little while but stay really CLEAR and do the same thing everytime…. remind yourself “Just a movie,” have the attitude “I don’t care” and take your mind onto something else…usually bring it back to what you are doing right now.
If the thoughts are “all over you” then go read a book or watch funny videos or see your friends. You can also RIVET your attention onto some object to stop thoughts coming and break the cycle of one thought triggering another, then another and so on.
In a nutshell, your mission is to not give even a teeny bit of attention to this anymore. As soon as you spot a thought coming to do with this, rivet your attention AWAY. Just keep doing it and very soon you will get to the wonderful stage where you have FORGOTTEN all about it.
Without your ATTENTION, thoughts die away CJ. Attention is like the volume control for thoughts. More attention and importance, thoughts increase. Less attention, less importance, they die away. This means YOU HAVE THE POWER to drop it, to get rid of it… you have CHOICE.
Be extra careful at bedtime to keep your mind off by having a solid routine… bath, read, listen to relaxing music… sleep. When you close your eyes, try to feel your feet tingling… again this helps keep your mind away. Keep doing this simple routine every night and very soon you’ll be confident and not scared to go to bed, confident your mind is free and then we move into forgetting completely.
CJ, even disturbed sleep over these months is enough to make you feel sad because sleep is one of the most important things to help us keep feeling good. If you add to that constant thinking about disturbing “danger” thoughts, then it’s really no surprise that you feel sad.
But you can turn this around right away by deciding “no more.” You have the power because you can choose where to put your attention. Start to “not care” anymore about all this then rivet attention away when thoughts pop up… can be like a game… the more you keep your mind off, the more you win :-)
OK CJ, I think that’s enough to be getting on with. Stay consistent with this and I guarantee you will get back to your happy self in the fastest time.
Write back and let me know how you’re getting on.
Mike
thanks
that really helps
you guys rock
Hey Mike, I am 14 years old, & about a week ago I watched this video [moderated]. The movie scared me half to death, I just don’t feel like eating anymore… I’m always depressed feeling during the day. But at night I play xbox with my friends and I feel better. But then in the daytime I’m sooo sad & depressed because I feel bad for the guy, I know it’s real though, & it’s only makes it worse when people tell me it’s not, I live in fear also. I feel the need to bring something with me to protect me. But I just wish these thoughts or images from the video will go away, they always come right back when I forget about them. I don’t want this to ruin me :( please, I’d appreciate you if you’d help me. Well this feeling go away over time because my brain is in protective mode?
Also, my brother is 20 & he thinks I have PTSD post tramatic stress something or whatever. I don’t want this video to ruin my life. My mom thinks it’s nonsense to go to a therapist… Help me please :’(
Hi Chelsea… Have a good read of the article and all the comments because the info you need is already written. Please let me know if there’s anything you’re not clear on. This will go away yes, if you do the right things. Make sure you’re clear about what the right things are. ~ Mike
Actually Chelsea, scrap that idea, there are too many comments and some not so helpful…. just read the answer I gave to CJ just a couple of comments from the bottom… that will set you on the right track and I’ll say more tomorrow. ~ Mike
Hi again Chelsea,
I think your brother is right… these frightening images and fear is a kind of post traumatic stress. As sad as it is that bad things happen, it doesn’t help you or anyone else to focus on it… it helps you and everyone you connect with if you think happy thoughts and stay happy. So just decide you will forget it and be patient with yourself if fear flashes come. Just let them go and refocus every time on what you’re doing right now, take your mind away and don’t dwell.
If you keep telling your mind that there’s no danger by staying calm when a fear flash comes, your mind will gradually stop reminding you.
The keys to forgetting are “no importance” and “distract.” So it’s really simple… when a fear flash comes, have the right attitude of no importance and then distract away. Do this every single time and the frequency and intensity will die away until these thoughts stop coming.
i just watched a movie and people said it is based on a true story. so now i cant sleep. any thing to help?
thanks
Hi Anita, follow the advice in the article and read the FAQ. Feel free to ask questions if you have any. ~ Mike
hi my name is seth im a 10 yr old boy and i read your article and the comments, BUT I CANT STAY AWAY!!! whenever i watch a goosebumps movie i think of 10 happy things but im still scared! every1 thinks im a wimp. i think its that in goosebumps that everyone usually gets scared and the monsters look so real! i must get rid of it!!!!! im tired of being wussboy at school!! i try not to watch and it doesnt work! please help! =’(
hey mike, i dont know if you if you remember me but im jennifer, guess what, im not scared anymore!!!!!!!! yay=) 100% not scared, your fact really help! The next time im when im scared, i”ll read you facts and im sure i”ll calm down.
-jennifer
Hi Seth, well if you insist on watching, then the key is desensitization, to see it as “just a movie.” You’re very good at getting absorbed into the movie and suspending reality… therefore the movie is easily triggering your fight or flight instincts. To desensitize, try watching the bonus features that come with DVDs… how the movie is made, interviews with the actors and so on. Then you’ll reframe it in your mind, see it a “just a movie.” You can also watch in little 5 minute chunks so you’re not totally sucked in. If you’re watching with your friends and feel scared, look around the room, at your fingernails, at the faces of your friends… keep bringing your attention OUT of the movie and back to the room.
When the movie is over, if you feel fear, follow the tips in the article.
I have to say though, at 10 years old, your wish to not be a wussboy, to be ABLE to watch this stuff is a sad reflection on our society. If you were my son, you would be watching stuff appropriate for your age. I’m telling you how to densensitize because you’re going to do it anyway right? But my advice is to watch stuff suitable for your age.
That’s great Jennifer… result!! :-)
I just watched the movie Amityville Horror trust me im scared of movies but this one just made me feel completly out of my comfort zone.
im so scared if anyone can send me some body comfort skills.
Hi Josh, I watched Amityville when I was a little boy and it scared me too — a lot! Unfortunately I didn’t have Mike’s tips to help me. It passed in time, and don’t worry, it will for you too.
In fact the fear will pass quicker for you, because you have Mike’s tips to follow. Have another read of the article above, it’s all there. Keep yourself distracted with (happy!) movies, books, friends and family. Download and listen to the tune — it’s a fantastic mood changer!
Howdy, I really feel ashamed to write here because I am a lot older than these guys and I know it’s pathetic but lately, as of two days ago I can’t settle at night again. I am a very anxious person and I worry about almost everything and when I watch a horor movie it tends to become real for me and that is what is happening now, even though I haven’t seen that movie for years and never intend to watch it again even the mere mention of it makes me anxious hence my prolems tonight, I was surfing the net and someone happened to mention the movie (The Grudge) Even typing it makes me feel terrified, which is just pathetic. But after reading what it was mentioned in I cannot settle at night, during the day I can keep these images of the horrid face and the noises at bay but at night it useless, I have a wild imagination so I can basically SEE that horrid thing in my Aunt’s house and I find myself second guessing my sanity as I know it’s movie but if feels so real. I can’t keep going on like this but I cannot seem to find peace no matter what I do. I am sorry to bother you with this but stupidly don’t think I can cope with this anymore.
Hi Alex,
The tips in the article are your front-line against this but you could do with tackling the general fear volume in your life. You are clearly a sensitive person and there’s nothing to feel sorry for about that. Sensitivity is a great gift and means you have an ability to see and feel more deeply and so help people. But it also means problems like this come up. Sensitive people really need to limit exposure to stuff like horror and news because of the deep empathy that is possible.
There’s lots you can do to turn your general fear volume down — lifestyle stuff like quality sleep, diet, relaxation, meditation and yoga. When you get your lifestyle nailed and learn to run your brain, you’ll be able tp choose very powerfully what you are paying attention to.
So I recommend you get into the best habits, and then continue to give no importance and distract away when your get fear flashes from the movie. Be indifferent when they come, in faith that they mean nothing and can safely be let go of.
Have a solid routine at bedtime. Bath, read, listen to calming music, sleep.
And of course, as a sensitive person, be very careful what you feed your mind.
Good luck Alex, let me know how things go.
Mike
Ever since my friend showed me the scary maze game i feel like someone will kill me and it seems to be stuck in my mind and now i tremble and turn most lights i see on and am very VERY paranoid please fix this.
Hi Ari,
The tips apply to scary games too. If you’re REALLY scared, you need tip 1 from the “do this” list right away. Keep exercising until you’ve got rid of all the adrenaline then go watch some funny TV shows with friends.
Follow all the tips Ari and stay consistent in applying them.
Mike
Mike, im 12 and its mostly at night and i cant exercise at night and i swear im crazy or posessed cuz i start shaking and my eyes boggle and laugh like a hyena and its scarred literally in my head just check out the picture
Hi Ari,
Okay then it’s a matter of making a big effort to keep your mind off it at night. Get into bed 10 or 20 minutes before lights out and read a light-hearted book. Then listen to relaxing music for a few minutes before going to sleep and when you shut your eyes, try to feel your feet tingling. Keep attention in your feet. With all 3 activities, if the scary thoughts come, have a “don’t care” attitude and return your attention back to reading/listening/tingling feet. Keep doing this every night.
thanks ill try it tonight
I’m twelve, and watched Paranormal Activity about half a year ago. I’ve just recently began to get scared by it. The thing that helps me the most is closing my eyes. Even if you imagine something, you can just tell yourself it’s not important. If you keep your eyes closed, there’s no way you won’t fall asleep within the hour. Right now, I am kind of scared, but I don’t give in to my fears. I keep going like nothing is wrong, because nothing is! There was nothing scaring you before you got scared, right? If you had watched the movie after now, you wouldn’t be scared of even looking at this feed, right? It’s all perception. Nothing is there at all.
Love your comment John and you are showing a great understanding. But be sure to distract away too, once you see these thoughts, images or fear flashes as unimportant. After all, why would you ever continue attention to something that is unimportant to you? :-) Great comment John, thanks. ~ Mike
Hey Wendy, I’m a Christian too and I’ve never watched a horror movie (mainly because I’m a wimp and get scared watching Disney movies) but even if this stuff could happen, just remember that because God’s taking care of you, none of this stuff can hurt you. This sounds dumb, but you gotta watch that veggie tales show “Wheres God when I’m scared.” lol, it’ll change your life. Hope this helps.
Hi!
I watched It the Clown and it seemed stupid when I watched it but now I’m scared!!! The only thing Im scared of is It coming my shower drain!! Cuz well that’s just what he does…. So…. Any ideas??
Hi Chanty,
When you get a fear flash, remind yourself “it’s just a silly movie” and have a “don’t care” attitude, then distract your attention away. If the fear lingers, then just see it as an instinctive reaction and let it be there without caring, because you see what it is. It means nothing, the danger isn’t real, so why care? Be patient and continue with this plan all the time and the fear flashes will be less frequent, less intense and soon enough will go altogether. ~ Mike
Hey :) I recently watched a scary game. Like I watched someone play the whole thing. I’ve read through many, many articles on how to sleep, but nothings cutting it. Mainly because I know all the stuff in the game is possible to happen. And it freaks me out alot. Please help me :C And like when I shower I get so freaked out too, because in the game there were showers and stuff happened there. And the game just really freaked me out. Please give me some different tips than the one sup there? If possible.
Thank you so much, :)
Hi Victoria,
The tips will work for you but as you said, you are not allowing yourself to let go. You keep telling your mind there is real danger and you are biologically programmed to pay attention to danger.
You need to see it for what it is… a silly game. You are in no more danger now than before you watched and before you watched, you didn’t care. You need to not care again. So when the fears come, remind yourself it’s just a silly game, have a “don’t care attitude” and distract attention away. Keep doing this over and over every time. Have faith in this method.
So this is the main thing, but do all the other tips in the article too for best results.
~ Mike
i can’t sleep at night after watching Paranormal Actvity. it’s really got too my head, i haven’t slept in 5 days. i get these thoughts that keep me up, and noises i hear.
any help? thanks (:
Hi McKayla,
Do all the tips in the article. The main thing is to see the fear as just a reaction to a silly movie. It means nothing and has no value. So when fear comes, see it as nothing “It’s just a movie” and distract your attention.
It’s a great idea to read in bed for a few minutes, this will give you another focus and then listen to the tune we recommend above. Your aim is to calmly pay attention to other things. ~ Mike
Ok i know this is a lot of writing but please read it…
I am realy paranoid. it all started when i watched a spoof of this messed up movie (the human centipede) i didnt know that it was an actual movie i just thoght it was a spoof and even that scared me a bit but i forgot about it for a wile. it was all going greaT UNTIL i was in an english lesson and i heard some guys talkin bout it and it scared the pants of me i was cryin in the lesson after and i got scared that i would happen to my mum and dad. i got home and i asked my dad 2 watch it coz he is good at watchin scary stuff. He said it was rubbish and that it was just a bit wierd. Again i got over it for a while but after about a month i started thinking about it and i got scared that i was becoming messed up. I ASKED MY DAD WHAT THE FILM WAS LIKE and he didnt mean to but he scared me again. the next night we were driving home from a drama vclub and i had a massive panic attack i was totaly freakin out and i was shakking. I was thinkin about what happens AFTER U DIE AND STUFF. The next morning i didnt feel any better. i wished i had never heard of the stupid movie. Then i had a sickening thoght!
I was afrand id that i had gone into another dimension were everything was the same exept i hadnt heard of the movie. And im not kidding i genuinly belived it. I was afrid to hug my parents and im scared of centipedes. I keep feeling good for tiny little bits of time but i get all creeped oiuit every hour or so. I have been trying to take my mind off it but im scared that the whole world is planning a conspiracy against me and trying to brainwash me or something i know it sounds stupid but it has been bothering me for more than a month and i dont know what to do ive been 2 a doctor and a counciler but its not working. Im also havin other thoghts like what happens after death and stuff. Im starting to get people making fun of me coz im scared. I know thaT OTHER peaple have simalar thoghts but im only 12 and i dont know if its healthy for me to be thinkin this stuff. please help
Hi Seamus,
It’s certainly not healthy to be thinking this stuff. You KNOW all this human centipede stuff is just sick rubbish don’t you? Honestly you know it. I’m sorry you were exposed to it but there is no point prolonging your exposure by revisiting it mentally every hour or so.
The good news is that it is coming up infrequently — every hour or so.
Begin by simply seeing that it is sick rubbish and therefore has zero value to you. Trust me this sick stuff has NO meaning or purpose whatsoever so you can safely forget about it. So then… make a decision to not pay any more attention or give it any more importance.
When it comes, label it as “garbage” and then quickly and calmly pay attention to something else.
By keep reacting to arising fears with a “don’t care” attitude, you tell your mind that there is no more danger, it’s over.
So there are two important things… 1. your attitude, 2. your attention.
See this as garbage and then give no importance and no attention whenever you have a thought about it. Keep doing this every single time it comes and then the frequency and intensity of these thoughts will die away and soon enough, you will forget all about it (the thoughts will stop coming).
What comes up in our minds depends on how we react to events and ideas. If you react with indifference, not caring, the thoughts stop coming.
~ Mike
I had a very similar problem with certain horror movies and other imagery. The images would rise up into my conscious mind without any warning and cause a stab of fear through my stomach along with a feeling of unreality. What helped me was a technique called “thought stopping”. You can Google it for more details but it consists of internally yelling at the unwanted thought “STOP!” The more emotion and intent you can muster the better. This has the effect of re-setting your mind and clearing out all current thoughts. If you consistently do this each time the unwanted thought occurs you will notice a lessening of occurrence. This will dis-empower the thought/image. I also use different stopping words…it can be anything you want, “Rubbish!” will work. Just have the strong intent to reset your mind. This has worked wonderfully for me.
Thor and Frey Bless you all…..Rodulf
I also recommend this website to recharge yourself. It’s about a very remarkable woman, Peace Pilgrim. Just listen to her story and teaching and you will feel better.
http://www.peacepilgrim.org/index2.htm
Thanks Rodulf. I agree with you. This technique is useful to clear. I find “DAH” very good :-) It’s a stopping sound like you would say to a child who’s just about to do something silly or dangerous, or perhaps they are going to do something you said not to. “DAH” or “Ah, ah, ah” works well for stopping/clearly/drowning/blocking thoughts. Thanks. Labeling as garbage/rubbish also helps gradually clear the unconscious process. ~ Mike
And don’t forget shhhhhhhh :-) It’s all good, anything that interrupts that thought flow.
Peace Pilgrim is inspirational, thank you :-) ~ Mike
Oh wow!! I forgot about shhhh!!! Shhhhh is awesome! Thanks James :-)
Wasn’t she incredible? None of our religious phonies now could live her life. Nor could I, for that matter.
I tried the method that emily wrote. Where the director of the movie yells “Cut, Cut!” and it really works. I never watch scary movies because I know what it can do to me. I am already freaked out with what I know about some movies because people tell me the plot even though I tell them I don’t want to hear it, or sometimes I end up reading what a scary movie is about and I get scared. Because of this, I end up sleeping in my mom’s room and I am 13 or watching 50 First Dates or Aquamarine. Don’t worry I am breaking the habit of sleeping in my mom’s room and the movies. I read this article and I created a night routine, it really helps! A suggestion I have is: imagine you are a famous actor or actress starring in your favorite non-scary movie or show while you are in bed. I imagine I am on a Disney Show or whatever.
One thing I never got over though was sleeping with one leg under the cover and the other without one. I read about from a thing about a movie and I still can’t. I never heard about falling asleep with your window open but I can’t do that for some reason. It’s hard for me to tell myself it’s not real and it doesn’t exist. I realize many other people have the exact same problem. Also, how do I find my limit of suspense so I can pick the right movie that WON’T traumatize me? Along with that, what do I do about those chain-link forward text messages with the freaky stories, I never open them anymore, the second I see it explaining scary stuff. I delete it and say to myself I didn’t read it, so it doesn’t count. I find this article very assuring that everything will be okay. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Thanx i fill much better, i saw human centipede and couldn’t sleep for a month i missed school, i got bad grades,all because of a movie now i fill much much better.but now i cant even watch scary movies or i carry a pair of sicciors with me.now i only watch cartoons.
hi i watched night mare on elm street for my first scary movie and it terrified me im only ten and i dont feel safe unless im with my family esp at night. its been like a week and it is getting worse i feel like a bother to others and any help would be great.
Hi Joey,
Well it’s important to feel safe so I think spending more time with family is good for a little while. Remember though that what’s happening to you is just the reaction of a primitive instinct you have, that can’t tell the difference between reality and a movie. So follow all the tips in the article and keep on reminding yourself “it’s just a movie” and distracting your attention away.
It’s good to learn that we can be deeply affected by the things we pay attention to and the things we give meaning to. You’re very young Joey to be watching scary movies. Best to watch stuff that’s made for your age group.
If you keep doing the tips, this will all settle down very soon and you will feel normal again.
Mike
hi my name is kayla i’m 21 this year n yh i would like to ask u a couple of questions 1 is ghosts n demons real n 2 is paronarmal activity real and does it realy happen in reality ?
i have been watching paranormal n things like that about all them things but its kinda freeking me out now i dnt know what to believe my head just keeps saying i do believe n then all of a sudden i don’t i know people do believe in this sort of thing but all i wanna know is does it realy happen in real life … if u can get bk to me asap that would be greatfull thanks :)
Hi Kayla,
Those movies are NOT based on reality :-) They’re designed to scare you — and movie makers have got better and better at it over the years.
Some movies will say they’re “based on truth.” Well… that phrase gives them scope to throw in ANYTHING they like, so it’s basically meaningless.
I’ve never seen anything that led me to believe that ghosts/demons etc exist. I DO know that the mind is incredibly complex and when we’re tired or freaked out, the mind can play tricks. We can literally “see” things that aren’t there at all.
I remember Derren Brown — a British illusionist, mentalist and skeptic — had a girl TOTALLY convinced she was in a haunted room. She described a sense of fear and dread, and she even felt a hand on her shoulder. But it was ALL done through sensory inputs, by playing sounds and so on. He explained how it was done afterwards — there was nothing “supernatural” about it whatsoever.
By the way I suffered “night terrors” as a young boy, where I would literally see demons etc in my room — or so I thought. But the doctors explained that it was ALL caused by my anxious mental state. And as I got calmer and happier as I grew up, they simply stopped.
So remember… what you’re seeing in the movies is just VERY good makeup and special effects. And I know, because I used to work on movies :-) It’s amazing what they can do, but they’re NOT based on reality. All these movies are designed to do is scare you — that’s it.
Personally, I’d rather fill my head with happy stuff and I definitely recommend everyone else does the same :-)
Oh my gosh, thank you so much! I really appreciate someone being out there and posting everything I needed to know. I am thirteen and usually i just watch action movies. Sometimes they are a tad scary; but mostly suspenseful. Today I watched an actually scary movie and It scared me so bad I was squeezing the bajeebers out of my cat and now I feel so bad because not she is staring at me wide eyed, like I’m a freak, in the corner. I was so terrified that I locked all doors, windows, shut all the shutters, blinds, everything. Haha well, thanks so much for helping me. ((FOR ALL OTHER VIEWERS, I’VE FOUND IT HELPFUL TO TALK TO OTHER PEOPLE ABOUT IT AND LAUGH ABOUT HOW STUPID IT WAS TO BE SO SCARED. haha
Hi Madi!
Thanks for your funny cat story :-) Good to laugh yes because it tells your mind “this isn’t important at all, just a movie.” ~ Mike
Hey Mike, you may have noticed this is my second comment here. My first one was about being scared, and this one is now about being fantastic. Saying “STOP” literally helped. The first night I thought it was cheesy, but I scrunched my face and every muscle and just yelled it in my mind, and then released. It took my a few minutes to fall asleep, but its been awhile now and when I think of it, other things distract me, like it’s not even a thought in my mind anymore. Like just simple, and dumb things like I wonder what my friends doing today. That stop just literally pushed the whole thing away. Thanks a lot c:
That’s fantastic Victoria, thanks for letting us know!
Hello,
I am writing this at 6:30 in the morning which shows just how scared I am.
Just at around 10 through 1 I watched, back to back, both Paranormal Entities and Activities. After that I watched some comedic stuff and even tried to play my xbox to get my mind off of it. I watched TV shows, surfed the web, and have listened to music but whenever I think I am good enough to go to sleep, the images of the final parts of the movies come into my mind. I have even tried to think of happier things such as my girlfriend, or funny moments with my friends, anything. Nothing is working.
What stops me every time is a breeze that goes through my room that makes it feel as though someone is breathing on me. I am planning to wait until daybreak so that I can sleep well with the light.
I have gotten over scarier things but nothing has made me stay up all night before.
I’ve tried the article but it hasn’t worked out for me (maybe I must be doing something wrong.)
Still it is nice to get it off my chest.
I am 15 to clarify my situation.
Hi Frank…
Hmmm the article says to exercise if you’re really scared and I don’t see that in your list :-) Watching comedy is a great idea… stuff that can distract you for long periods of time AND change your STATE.
It’s not that the article tips don’t work it’s just that it takes time. They certainly don’t work instantaneously but you can’t just switch fear off — it doesn’t work like that. The FASTEST way is to see clearly that there is no real danger, then exercise the adrenaline away and then keep distracted/keep telling your mind “it’s just a movie” when it pops up.
Hope you’re feeling better Frank. ~ Mike
hi mike,
i dont know if you remember me but my name is jennifer and im having the same problem again, i did not watch a scary movie but i played a scary game. i have a question? Are exmortis real??
Hi Jennifer, yes I do remember you :-) No, not real… a figment of Ben Leffler’s imagination. Just a game.
hi mike, im 11 and i have not seen a scary movie but i read a wiki about a zombie one, at first it said zombies where made form a gas that comes out at night and that scared the crap out of me until i went camping outside. but one day i was surfing the web and came across the same page some how and it said it was updated so i read it (worst idea ever) and now that gas is not needed and a I’m very scared. i can get to sleep after half an hour or so but i need the lights on and like 20 stuffed animals, plz help me
get rid of what i said, after reading the other comments and seeing that i am in a much better case then most people and that your tips look like they will be perfect. thx mike!
Great! Be careful what you feed your mind Colin :-) You did good with the stuffed animals… it’s important to feel safe. ~ Mike
I am fine when my family is around me but its like 3,and theyre sleeping.What should I do?I’m like 12….
Hi Aiden,
When scary thoughts pop up, remind yourself that it’s just a movie. You are perfectly safe :-) Surround yourself with cuddly toys and absorb your attention into music (see the article above) or read a book. Just ignore scary thoughts and feelings — just let them be, ignore them… You know that they’re only there because you watched a movie. They’re not real, you are perfectly safe.
So me and my cuzin were in bed and watching and I have a picture of me on my car board and we turned our head and the next minute it was gone we started freakin out and then we thoufht its just a strOng wind that mighta moved but then we started hearing noises like crumbling paper and knocking in my cardboard and we scream and no1 heard us plz help
When I get scared it last for months and even years. Does this mean anything? Plz help. I can sleep at night but I worry during the day that I’ll get scared again. And when I forget I think hey I forgot about it and then all the memories come back. Help!
Hi Taylor, If it lasts for months, then YOU could be giving it meaning, importance that it doesn’t deserve. This search for meaning is one of the reasons people keep thoughts alive that they don’t want; some quest for meaning or reason when there isn’t one. It’s just a silly movie, it has no meaning.
Importance and attention make thoughts grow and then they become habits. So to remove thoughts you don’t want, see them as meaningless and remove attention every time they come. That’s all you need to do really and they’ll gradually stop coming.
Yes, when you NOTICE that you forgot, what you’ve actually done is REMEMBER :-) And that memory can quickly trigger all the other memories, especially ones with meaning as I said, and FEAR is probably the biggest meaning you can give to a thought because fear thoughts mean danger and your mind is wired to protect you from danger.
So… just remember to have a don’t care attitude and pay attention to something else whenever an unwanted thought comes. Do that consistently and then you will gradually forget.
Be careful what you feed your mind in future. If you are particularly sensitive to scary movies, you’re causing yourself a lot of grief each time you watch one. ~ Mike
And my parents help the best they can and it doesn’t work
Hi again Taylor, please follow all the tips in the article consistently and you’ll be fine. The main one is to keep distracted and have a don’t care attitude. “No importance, distract,” keep doing that every single time a thought about the movie pops into your head. Do it consistently. ~ Mike.
hey, i just wanted to say thank you. I was reading the ways to get your mind off scary movies because I couldn’t sleep last night at all, because my 2 friends put in the movie “Behind the Hills” I think it was called, and I got scared out of my mind, that I forced myself to go to sleep during the movie.
But that was like 2 days ago and last night when I couldn’t sleep, I had to go wake up my mom and tell her that I felt like something was watching me. And she told me to get over it and go back to sleep. And that nothing is there, that i’m on xx ****** Ave, and calm down. & It kinda worked, but I ended up sleeping with the light on. But I just wanted to say thanks!
Hiya Lily — you’re very welcome.
Just remember it’s all a stupid movie. None of it’s real and you’re perfectly safe. The scared feelings and the feeling of being watched are just a leftover effect of the movie. It’s how our brains work, unfortunately :-)
Ignore any thoughts or feelings that come up about the movie — you can even laugh at them! The thoughts and feelings will get less and less and then disappear.
Remember — all is well! :-)
I can’t get to sleep not because of movies but spiders
Hi Lucas, check out these posts…
http://www.habitguide.com/overcome-fear-of-spiders
http://www.habitguide.com/unwanted-thoughts
~ Mike
oh my gosh,i watched a very scary movie yesterday (paranormal activity) and i just cant stop thinking about it at night..in the day i forget about it but then when its time for bed i start thinking about it over and over again….i prayed over like 50 times and put on a rosary on my neck and a bible on my night stand…..i also cried a couple times because how scared i am…..i promise my self never watch a scary movie…but i still cant get the scary parts out of my head…plus im only 13 please help….thanks so much
Hi Mike,
Thank you so much for your advice. I’m 14 and this happens to me all the time, even though I don’t watch scary movies (I know that I can’t handle them). Sometimes, I just start reading something or playing a game, and it becomes scary, which I don’t expect. I feel like I have to finish it to see how it ends, otherwise, it seems scarier. But even if it ends happily, I still keep on thinking back to it for several days afterwards, especially when I’m trying to sleep. I know that it is all fake and whatever the scary thing is can’t hurt me, but there is always a part of my brain that keeps on going “But what if…?” I have never been kept up extremely late by something like this, and I always get over it, but your advice will be very helpful and I will follow it. Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Rachel
Hi Levanya, please commit to the tips in the article and get back to me if you have any more questions. ~ Mike
Hi Rachel,
Thanks for writing in. I am struck by how well written your comment is! Wow.
I do think sensitivity is a gift, but sensitive people do need to be a lot more careful about what they’re exposed to. One of the most amazing things I ever learned was the power of attention. You always have a choice and you choose with your attention and the meaning you attach to thoughts.
Are you interested in meditation at all Rachel? It would be fantastic if you could get into it. Let me know if you’re interested.
~ Mike
i saw the new movie insidious 3 times!!!!!! and haven’t been able to sleep through the night without waking up and freaking out for about 2 weeks so maybe these tips will help me
thanks mike:)
You’re very welcome Tommy. Good luck… the tips are definitely the way to go :-)
Dear Mike,
I agree with you completely about sensitivity. As well, I am interested in meditation a little, but I have only done it a few times. I personally prefer things that are more movement-oriented, such as dance or martial arts, to help clear my mind.
Sincerely,
Rachel
Hi Rachel,
That’s great, dancing can be meditation. It’s also good to be able to clear your mind whenever you want to, without the need to do an activity. If you have the ability to switch off, it also means the ability to always choose your thoughts, and your attention. Let me know if you want to explore this and I’ll send you something.
~ Mike
i watched paranormal activity and it totally freaked me out !
music isnt working for me
Hi Chay,
You can’t switch fear off like a light. It’s about doing all the right things to get back to normal as quick as possible. Those things are exercise (the best response to intense fear), having the right attitude (don’t care), feeling safe, remembering “it’s just a movie” and keeping your mind distracted.
If you’re in the intense fear stage, music won’t be powerful enough, you need exercise to quickly use up all that adrenaline and get your body back to a normal state.
I’m not going to say my age (lol!), but I am far older than most of the other commentors…let me just say how much I appreciate these tips and your helpful advice. Although I can watch some horror movies, the really disturbing ones have caused me psychological harm.
The funny thing is, I don’t even watch the movies! I read about them on websites, and they just seriously disturb me. Two movies in particular have really bothered me lately (not putting their names here, but one has already been mentioned and one is currently banned in a number of countries)- and I just keep on pondering why someone would make these movies. The content is disturbing, of course, but the thing that actually bothers me is why the movies were made- in other words, why would the directors make these movies!!
I am very liberal- so this isn’t a censorship issue- I think they just bring down my overall feeling about the world we live in- they make me feel hopeless and sad for my children and the other children out there.
To all the kids out there, you are not alone- there are many adults who go through this too! Anyway, I am going to try all the tips you have listed- I am not going to give these thoughts and images any more of my attention!!! Thank you so much…this website is truly a breath of fresh air!
have you seen hellRaiser? I am 15 years old and this stuff still scares the hell out of me every dam time I watch it. I cant walk down my hallway for hours after watching this movie I even sometimes resort to urinating in a bottle because I am so freaked out that the engineer demon will chase the hell out of me and rip my head off. How can I get rid of this fear of always thinking that a character from this movie will come into reality and get me. I am religious so I believe in demons and angels and stuff like that so it adds to the fear alot. I carry a bat around my house as well.
Hi Julie,
I think there are a lot of reasons why these movies are made, which all have their roots in the current human condition… ego. Yes, just let go of all this stuff and give it no more attention. What we pay attention to grows!
Thanks for the great feedback Julie, much appreciated :-)
Mike.
Hi Alex,
These movies are designed to make you react like you are doing. They try to make you believe because then you’ll be scared to death and that’s why you watched no? Otherwise why bother :-)
Fear taps into some primitive mechanisms in your brain that make you react in a certain way, but you can just observe those reactions and see their cause is just a movie. Nothing in the movie is real, it’s just the result of someone’s sick imagination. So… that is what’s true.
Once you know that the cause of your fear is a silly movie, then it will go quickly. If you invest belief into it, you’ll make it difficult to go because you are reinforcing the primitive reaction with importance, with truth.
Then your brain will continue, will even ramp it up because you think the fear is valid, that there is danger.
So see it as just a silly movie. Exercise adrenaline away and then stay feeling safe and stay distracted. If you get fear flashes, see them as useless, caused by a stoopid movie, and distract.
If scary movies keep scaring the hell out of you and you don’t like it, maybe stop doing it :-) If your friends all want to and you can’t get out of it, then be more interested in their reactions than the movie… you will see it’s funny :-) Don’t let your attention be sucked into the movie, keep looking about the room, thinking about tomorrow and so-on.
HElP ME! Im a 14 year old boy and at school some kids were allowed to go watch a movie in class. It was called halloween and there was some kid and im not gonna continue im too sacred if you wanna know whuts it about look it up im to scared. The thing is is that the kid was psychopath and that exists and a friend knew someone who killed his parents and went mad he told me now I cant sleep and I feel really bad and I really want a hug from someone now. =(
PS. The movie wa sso horid that I passed out and with my head I hit my chair when I passed out. I had a headache all day and im really freaked out.
Sorry for my long comment. But I need help. Im reading donald duck and mickey mouse comics like crazy at the moment, and im also watching ducktales and darkwing duck. im feeling a lil better but still not good.
And a girl in my class smiled at me and gave me some of her water to make me feel better and when she smiled I felt a lot less fearand I felt good for a few seconds. Girls are awesome but im still scared!
Hi Vincent,
Well you’re doing the right thing to keep your mind distracted. Be sure to read and follow all the tips so that you can be confident you’re doing all the right things and then it’s a matter of being patient and allowing the fear to die away without fuss.
I agree… girls are awesome :-)
~ Mike
I watched Paranormal Activity, Insidious movies and I’ve been really scared of demons and haven’t been able to go sleep at night. I shouldn’t be thinking of it, it’s just stupid and not real. I’ve had this feeling for months, and it’s only just gone away and now it’s come back because the new Paranormal Activity is coming out soon and silly me watched the trailer!! I have anxiety.
Hi Eleanor,
If you follow all the tips in the article as best you can, that’s the fastest way to get back to normal. It’s all there, everything you need to know and do. Exercise first, to get rid of your anxiety. ~ Mike
I just read the smith sisters story and im really scared im sitting shaking in my bed.I have always been scared of the dark, and hated anything even slightly scary. I thought the story would have a funny ending but I cant get it out of my head. I Know its not true but my head is making it feel real.Im 13 and cant get to sleep please help me.
Hi Micki,
If you follow all the tips in the article as best you can, that’s the fastest way to get back to normal. It’s all there, everything you need to know and do. Please leave another comment if you’re having trouble following the advice. ~ Mike
I have been listening to the lullaby for 1 hour the tips arnt helping i cant take my mind off the story evrywhere i look theres somthing,my closet the window even the computer.
Hi Micki, if the fear is intense you need to exercise. ~ Mike
After watching a scary movie I have to put some comedy on TV to pretty much erased what was left of the movie in my mind…
Thank you Mike for helping me with this.
I did what you told me to and when i went over to a friends to watch a horror movie I got scared to but when I looked at my friends faces and thought about some funny video’s I had watched on the internet I calmed down and I kind of laughed at one point and my friends got confused XD. Anyways will post something else if i get any problems thank you for helping me and have fun watching movies.
I like your tips btw There pretty helpful and smart and it helps you to calm down.
Hellraiser still freaks me out even though I have seen it alot but eh I am a easy person to scare but your tips have helped me to calm down.
have a good Night and enjoy scary movies.
Im moving onto a Movie called Scarecrows.
=D
Why do I want to cry every time I see my parents?
Hmmm… I think this could be a natural instinct… child in danger, sees parent, cries. Shows the parent that the child is in trouble. The relief of suddenly seeing a protector could also be a factor. Just guessin’ :-) ~ Mike
omg thanks alot for this it is sooo awsome
I played an arcade game and can’t get it out of my mind, it was my first time I’ve played something like that and I am freaking scared, every noise I hear at night makes my heart pound and I feel like crying. I can’t exactly leave my light on all night as my Mum gets annoyed and says it’s a fire hazard. I’m really terrified, I usually try your solutions when I’m scared but they don’t seem to help a lot. Please help me, I really need it!
And another thing, this probably sounds stupid but when I walk past a room with the door open and the light off at night I just end up literally sprinting down the stairs as fast as I can where I might find someone else. I always get this sensation that someone’s or something is following me or hiding in a dark room and waiting to grab me. I also have a major fear of ghosts every time the word is even mentioned all sorts of things run through out my imagination and stop me sleeping at night…. Please help!
Hi Sam,
Although what’s happening to you feels incredibly frightening, please understand that it’s a normal intense reaction to what your mind saw as trauma and life-threatening danger. These reactions are primitive in that they operate instinctively and without logic or reason. The more you get into the horror, the more you trigger these instincts.
From a place of intense fear, you need intense EXERCISE as the first step. You can’t switch fear off like a light but you CAN exercise adrenaline away and then tell you mind CLEARLY that the “danger” has now gone by having a “don’t care” attitude when you get unwanted thoughts or fear flashes (“it’s just a silly game”), and calmly taking your attention away each time.
You need to reassure your unconscious mind that there is no danger. So once the adrenaline has gone (you’ll feel a lot better then), view arising thoughts as meaningless and remove attention.
In short… follow the tips properly :-)
Mike.
Hi Cindy, Thanks! ~Mike
Ok thanks I’ll try that tonight.
Well… I’ve seen some scary movies, well for me they’ve been enough… I have seen halloween 1, 2, saw 1,2,3,5 like at least 3 times each, but I keep sleeping with nightmares and I keep waking up at night, there was one time, that I only watched a trailer of a movie and didn’t sleep that night, right now… I saw a clip of the movie “the strangers”… Wow its scary, what makes me feel safe and what calms me down, is to know that I’m not the only one that have practically… panic to the scary movies… Thank you for creating this page, you don’t know how this has worked for me.. One of my best advice when you’re scared and can’t sleep… Try to sleep with the T.V. on… Cartoons work perfect
I haven’t been watching scary movies, but looking at scary pictures and reading creepypasta all day. This definitely helped. Another thing you should do is listen to some good music, not sad or slow music, a fast-paced energetic one.
I am 11, and I hate scary movies. I look up bible verses and make a whole playlist of my favorite music to take my mind off of it. I used to absolutely HATE the movie Coraline (still do. See how easily I get scared?) so I would tell my self, a. The thought of little mice coming and leading me to a door I have never seen in my life is ridiculous. That thought usually does no good, so I will watch a really sappy movie and just start making fun of it. That usually does the trick, because I laugh so hard my chest hurts and I fall asleep. But, that’s not the point. I just feel so embarrassed I have to go upstairs for a claymation from Tim Burton, when I have been obsessed with Nightmare Before Christmas and vampire killing people and stuff since I was 6.
Oh, and just a tip for readers, try going to FanFiction.net, it has got some great fan made stories that can be pretty funny, and take your mind off stuff.
Thanks Amy… Maybe you’re like my son who can watch all kinds of gore and horror and not be affected at all but anything sinister… stuff lurking in the shadows, freaks him out for weeks (or did when he was younger). He LOVED the Nightmare Before Christmas when he very little, maybe 6 years old and watched it about a hundred times. Me too, I think it’s an incredible movie.
Hi,
Im 15 and have been reading the woman in black in my english class. Recently we were shown a clip where she appears at the window of a bedroom and floats down on the guy in his bed slowly whilst screeching.
Really having trouble sleeping due to the fact that the scene focus’ around the fact he is in bed when this happens. Need help asap :/
Hi Greg, follow all the tips in the article and get back to me if you have any questions after putting it into practice.
Mike
Can you help, im 20 and ever since i was 16 and watched nightmare on elm street for my gcse’s i constantly think freddie krugar will come for me, theres no pattern and thoughts just appear, i try to distract myself but i end up in one room of my house on my own with my son to scared to move, a midwife put me on mental health list but they couldnt do anything. dr wont help they just keep saying it will go with time, but its not going. Please help if you can i cant live no more days in fear.
Please help !! After I read, hear or watch a scary movie/story I get so scared seeing my reflection in the mirror !! Like I’m going to find a ghost or something behind me, so please help me !!
Hi Ralph, What you’re experiencing is a normal intense fear reaction to what your mind perceives as a threat to your life. These reactions are primitive, operate instinctively, just the same as if you came face to face with a lion. But the intelligent part of you knows “it’s just a movie” right? That’s important to keep remembering.
And now your body is in a “fight or flight” state, a state to save your life in real danger situations. So you need to “flight” — run away, in other words exercise until your state goes back to normal. This can take anything from a few minutes up to around 30 if you’re very fearful. And then follow all the other tips in the article too. It’s all there… everything you need to do. ~ Mike
Hi Rebecca, I’m sorry to hear you’re suffering with this. It needs quite an in-depth answer… a different answer to “what to do if you’ve just seen a scary movie and you’re petrified.” I will put up a separate post about your problem later on today hopefully. In the meantime, there’s a lot of info you could be reading in the “unwanted thoughts” article. Have a read through all the comments too, especially the ones about fear. ~ Mike
ONE NIGHT I WAS ON THE P.C ON FACEBOOK AND I WACHED SOME THING AND SOME ONE ONE THE P.C JUMPED OUT AND IT IS STILL BOTHING ME WHAT SHOULD I DO
Yeah thanks, these things I know, I know the movie isn’t real. But I know that the devil does, the evil does, and the ghosts are. These things happens at night, when I look straight at my reflection on the mirror I see… like a kind of a vision ! And thank you very much for the tips, I should give you credit for that !
@ Katy… smile and ignore, every single time.
@Ralph… I disagree that the devil exists, I see evil as just anything that causes bad feelings and if ghosts are real, then I’ve never heard of one hurting a fly, much less a person. To sum up, you can relax :-)
The devil does, we name him the “Dark Sin”, such as “Dark Angel” but let’s not talk about it anymore… I got about it !
OK let’s not. Shhhhh :-) ~ Mike.
Watched criminal minds and there is this scarred guy burning people. Thanks habitguide!
You’re welcome Christian. Be careful what you feed your mind :-) ~ Mike
@Rebecca H — The new post about your problem that I promised you is now live…
http://www.habitguide.com/irrational-fear
All the best,
Mike
What if it is a show like paranomal state?
Hi Abigail… The same know and do tips apply. ~ Mike
What if the lullaby doesn’t work what should I do. I listened to it and it didn’t put me to sleep???????
Hi Chase,
If you’re very anxious, exercise will bring you back to a normal state. Once you’re a little bit calmer, ignore every unwanted thought by having a don’t care attitude and putting your attention somewhere else. Basically — follow all the tips :-) ~ Mike
hi mike, im 13 and when i watch scary movies i get kinda scared and its not that big of a deal, but when i go to bed at night it alll comes back to me and starts freaking me out !! i watched Scream 4 the name just makes me shake ! i watched that 2 weeks ago and im still shaken about it . what do i dooo ? :(
Hi Savanah, Please read the FAQ, which explains why it seems worse at bedtime. Then read the know and do tips and do the do ones :-) And then stop watching stuff that freaks you out! :-) ~ Mike.
Well, I am 10, the other night I watched scream (bad movie choice for 10 year old!) and now I am scared to deth and every night I get FREAKED out! I never can get ti sleep with those scary thoughts in my mind. What can I do to get my mind off of it? But the other stuff helps a lot!
Hi Katie, the tips are all you need… keep remembering “it’s just a movie” and let thoughts about it drift on by. Exercise if you’re really scared, do stuff to feel safe like being with other people if you can, and keep distracting your mind away, telling yourself calmly that “it’s just a movie” each time. The lullaby will help you relax a lot as long as you’re not too wired. If you are, then gentle exercise is the way, to get rid of the anxiety. If you feel too wide awake to sleep, put on your bedside light, have your favorite cuddly toys all around, play some calming music and read a nice book ’til you feel sleepy. Then if thoughts come, each time remember it’s just a movie and think about the reading again. ~ Mike
Tis is possibly the best article on the subject ive found so far.
Completely, totally re-assuring.
I’ve totally stopped watching all manner of horror movies, when I realized how paranoid and edgy i kept getting.
As a footnote: I simply want to add, never, never should anyone like me watch Paranormal Activity.
(Its totally poised to mess with our psyches, i couldn’t sleep for qite a while because i kept imagining every little thing to be paranormal stuff)
Thanks Pia! I always say… “be careful what you FEED your mind.” Put happy stuff in there, inspiration, clarity, and be careful what you call truth. That’s the way to go :-) Lovely comment, thanks again. ~ Mike
I’m only nine and I’m in bed but can’t sleep just watched orphan don’t know if you’ve seen it but I’m totally freaking out right now. I watched it a long time ago but whenever I think about it I get the same creeped feeling PLZ HELP!!!!!
Hi Yomna, stop thinking about it altogether. If it pops into your head, remember “it’s just a movie” and put your attention onto something else right away. See all the other tips in the article too for other stuff, but this is the main one. Good luck! ~ Mike
I just watched a scary movie yesterday with my friend, and I couldn’t even sleep yesterday and today I’m still very scared…. ): I’m even sleeping with my mom right now and my mind is scaring the crap out of me… I keep trying to think about something else but Its not working and I don’t know what to do cuz my mom is already mad at me for watching the movie.. I told her I wouldn’t be scared and I’m on the tip of crying.. ); my heart is beating really fast.. And I’m not aloud to turn on the tv.. and every time I close my eyes user something please help me
Hi Bri, when we’re scared our bodies release adrenaline for extra energy — so that we can fight or run away. So to act naturally in this situation you have to fight or run away — in other words… exercise. Read the part about exercise in the article and once you’ve calmed down, continue to say “it’s just a movie” and distract your mind from every thought about it. Do all the tips in the article. ~ Mike
Hi I’m 11 and I’m very interested in the “paranormal” and my grandpa tells me about ghosts and stuff because I’m just so fascinated! But those stories aren’t the ones that scare me, stories in the Internet is what scares me. Like chain messages on YouTube in the comment section and I know that whatever promises they make don’t work because well I’m still alive but just the thought makes me VERY. Scared. Is there anyway I can fall asleep at night?
Hi I’m 11 and I’m interested in ghosts and stuff but I like to read the comments on videos on YouTube like on club penguin and stuff because well, I’m 11. And a lot of times there are these scarry chain messages and they scare me half to death! Im also Christian so I have a mini statue of the virgin Mary is my bedroom but I still don’t feel safe. Is there any way I can finally get some sleep? Oh I also keep waking up in the middle of the night and get scared so I never get any sleep. Please help!
Hi Lindsay,
It’s always going to be tough to fall asleep when you’re scared because your body is primed for ACTION… fight or flight, primed to save your life from what you have perceived as a dangerous situation.
It can be done though, turned around pretty quickly. First understand that there’s nothing to be scared of. Even if there are such things as ghosts, a ghost never hurt anyone. So then, decide to keep your mind off it from now on. If a thought pops just remember “nothing to worry about” and put your attention elsewhere.
Now if you’re scared you need to exercise… depending on how scared you are it could take up to 30 minutes to calm down, to get the adrenaline out of your system.
Now you’re calm keep your attention distracted with a book and some relaxing music til you feel sleepy. Then go to sleep :-) If you wake up in the night, then immediately remember “nothing to worry about” and then focus on your feet, try to feel the tingling in your feet, and if you like you can then try to feel tingling in other parts of your body too.
Read this to understand WHY you are reacting the way you do…
http://www.habitguide.com/irrational-fear
And then… you know…. STOP reading stuff that scares you!! :-)
Good luck,
Mike
Hi Bri, Please read and follow all the tips in the article and then leave a comment if there’s anything you don’t understand. ~ Mike
Thank you mike, it helped a lot! I was able to sleep in my room for awhile yesterday but I always wake up at like 2:00am or 3:00 and I stay up cuz I get scared. I know the movie isn’t real but my mind gets the best of me. I forget about it for like a minute then I wake back up and still scared. I need help because my parents are mad at me cuz I can’t sleep in my own room! I am 11 years old and still have trouble with it.
Is there something wrong with me?
And also when I’m on my iPod trying to take my mind off of it. I see something at the corner of my eye.. Is that my mind just trying to scare me?
I didn’t excatly watch a scarey movie to make me feel scared. I hadn’t watched anything scarey today. I need to wake up really early for school tomorrow and it is so late in the night. I just remembered something I saw on tv once about how to dream about someone that you want to see. I wasn’t sure if it would work but i tried it anyway. While I was trying a saw a really scarey face. Which started it all. Then i thought back to something I saw a few years ago. In a move. It was about a ghost, haunting, and you saw the couch that looked like someone sat there but no one was there. While I was laying in bed, I felt the covers move down like someone was sitting down but no one was there. I looked and it actually looked like someone was sitting there! I got so scared, I knew I wasnt going to be able to sleep. But while I felt the covers sinking down I kept telling myself it was just in my mind but it didn’t work. I really need to get to sleep and I have no idea what to do. I always sleep with the tv on so that I have something to concentrate on to keep away the scarey thoughts I always think about when I am trying to sleep. But for some reason tonight it hasn’t worked. I have no idea what to do and if I told my mom, I think she would just give me a funny look and say, “Okay?” :(
also scarey movies dont scare me. I have watched rated R movies for a couple years now. I am only 14 and for some reason at night when im trying to sleep all my thoughts come together and i think the worst when ever i hear a noise. I love scarey movies they are my favorite kind of movie. its the ghost stuff that scares me. not in the movie either, just thinking oh my gosh if i looked in the mirror and saw a ghost that would be soooo scarey, and then i am afraid to look in the mirror, and my conscious goes crazy telling me dont look in the mirror, dont look in the mirror, dont look in the mirror…
Hi Bri, no there’s nothing wrong with you. What you’re experiencing is a normal reaction when you think you are in danger… even if that danger is your imagination. That’s why you must keep your mind off it. If you wake up in the night, just remember there’s no danger at all, it’s just your mind and then put all your attention into your feet, try to feel the tingling in your feet. And then feel other parts of your body tingling too. This will focus your attention away, and stop you triggering more anxiety by giving attention to and meaning to silly things. ~ Mike
Hi Bri, when you’re scared, your peripheral vision becomes more sensitive that’s all it is. Nothing to worry about. ~ Mike
Hi Nicole,
This is a good example of “attention is the volume control for thoughts.” What we pay attention to grows, what we remove attention from dies away. It’s also a good example of the power of what you feed your mind. So you gave attention to something, an idea, then that triggered a memory of a scary thing… and so it grows on :-) And then the scary thing triggers an anxious state, your body changes to “fight it flight” and then your truly “off on one.”
So really, you must do the opposite… feed your mind with positive stuff, stuff that makes you feel good, feel safe. You must learn the power of attention and learn to choose where to put it. And all of this stuff will apply to so many things in your life and make it so much better.
So, once you’ve gotten yourself into a pickle by paying attention to scary things, follow all the tips in the article, and learn the cause and effect of what you’ve done. And then perhaps decide not to do it again :-)
~ Mike
Hi Nicole,
I think you need to find other stuff for kicks :-) Having all this sick stuff floating around your unconscious mind is not good in my opinion! ~ Mike
Article Update:
Hi! Just a quick note to let you know I’ve updated the article to include “what to do if you wake up in the night.”
This is good to do whenever you wake in night actually, not just after watching a scary movie.
~ Mike
i try telling myself its just a movie but then i think that the things in the movie will get mad at me if they are real because we dont actually know.
Okay thank you. I have decided I’m done watching scary movies cause I struggle doing things at night and sleeping. That last scary movie I saw was devil inside. And the main reason I got scared was because it said it was a scary true story
We do know Victoria… movies are just made up, and scary movies are made to scare you and they’ll use every trick in the book. Trust me, you can safely and confidently ignore every single thought and feeling to do with scary movies with a “don’t care” attitude. If a thought comes that seems important, you can smile at that because they’ve managed to get into your head, using the way you naturally react to things. It’s clever, but sick. Trust me, you can ignore it all and even if a thought seems important, stay consistent in telling your mind “No, it’s not, this is just a trick… it’s really just a silly movie.” ~ Mike