Nightmares and Real Night Terrors: How Experience Shapes Our Fears
What is the scariest thing you have experienced at night while sleeping in your bed?
For me, it was the ghostly laughter outside my bedroom, a sound that echoed like that of a witch. While I have never seen a ghost in real life, this haunting laughter was a nightmarish echo of horror movie ghosts. The sound sent shivers down my spine, and I still cannot forget the chilling sensation of fear it sparked.
Another terrifying experience occurred in 2017 when I was staying with my then boyfriend. In the middle of the night, I woke up feeling suffocated and unable to breathe. My eyes were still closed, and when I opened them, I saw a dark figure positioned on top of me, seemingly choking me. It was in that moment that I realized I needed to leave that toxic relationship and the household, which was filled with a poisonous environment, including the racist attitude of his grandfather who had suffered from PTSD due to war experiences.
Teen Years: Encounters with Mother Nature
During my teenage years, I spent a lot of time outdoors, backpacking and camping in remote wilderness areas in Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. My brother and I enjoyed spending time in these places, far from the reach of civilization and its dangers. Grizzly bears were a common sight, but their presence was a reminder of the beautiful and potentially dangerous wilderness.
One night, high above the timber-line in the Crazy Mountains, our dog, "Lady," emitted a stern growl, which she rarely did. Lady, a Collie/Blue Heeler mix, became agitated, and her growls intensified as she tensed up, showing a defensive posture. I asked her to quiet down, but she remained alert, her head lowered and her body trembling as she crawled under the edge of my sleeping bag. I noticed a gentle breeze against our tent, which Lady easily sensed.
A bear, or something else?
As I lay there, listening to the breeze and the usual night noises, my heart raced as I thought about the possibility of a bear investigating our tent. My brother, who often took a more rational approach, pulled on his headlamp and quickly unzipped the tent. We saw several pairs of eyes, and Lady immediately bolted through the tent door, barking and chasing the mountain goats up the slope. Lady had performed her herding instinct, leading the goats away.
We were relieved that the visitor was not a bear, and sleep finally came easier, especially for Lady, who had waited for an hour, growling, uncertain of what had prowled in the dark. This experience taught us the importance of being alert in the wilderness and respecting the natural world.
Mental and Emotional Impact
Both these encounters have left indelible marks on my psyche. The fear of the unknown, the suffocating sensation, and the unpredictable nature of the wilderness are all elements that can trigger intense feelings of anxiety and fear. These experiences have shaped my perspective on life and the importance of emotional well-being and safety.
Whether it's a ghostly laugh or a growling dog, the fear we experience in the night can be greatly influenced by our experiences and the environment we find ourselves in. It is crucial to recognize and address these fears, and to seek support when necessary, whether it's leaving a toxic relationship or seeking help for emotional and psychological well-being.