Non-PG13 (Strong Language): FREAKED OUT

[BewilderedJane]

Okay. Well um, fuck, I feel like such a wuss posting two threads in three days but this is making me incredibly nervous.

So, long story short (not really):

When I was twelve years old, my father was posted to Virginia, where we lived in a house for a year, which I swear upon whatever small remnants of my soul still exist, was haunted by a male presence. Whatever it was, it did not like us children. None of us would leave our rooms at night for fear of whatever lurked in the darkness. The bathroom was directly across the hall from my room, and I would still catapult myself across the three foot distance slamming the door behind me and turning on the light in one swift motion.

Six years later, back home, and away from THE HOUSE, I am still frightened of the dark. I leave my top light on every night, have my bed pressed into the wall, and do my best to not to look at the full length mirror in my closet door (the lasting effects of a nightmare I had three years ago).

I have the sensation of being watched or followed. Especially right now.

I once heard two voices in quick succession, an unintelligible male voice and a female scream. Granted I was very tired at the time so maybe it was just a small part of a waking dream.

My question is: What is this, and how do I deal with it if I should run into another "weird" situation in future? Both my parents were adopted so I have no family medical history to rely on :/

Sorry this so long, I just always feel the urgent need to provide context. Ugh, I feel so stupid, sorry. :

[Thirteen]

Well, since this seems to be something brought on by fear, I doubt those voices are linked to mental illness.

Think of it this way... Different things can cause people to hear voices, and it's not always related to mental illness. For example, in the case of this fear, it could've been your imagination "acting up", so to say. It could've even been (as you basically said) the fact that you were half-asleep, causing you to be in almost a "lucid dream" state.

But, since this is interfering with your life, I'd suggest seeing a counselor, or a therapist. Having somebody to talk to, and someone who can give you coping mechanisms to help (seeing as I'm sure most professionals have dealt with fears of the dark, paranormal, etc.) based on experience.