Identify what you’re actually afraid of and why. [3] X Research source Ask yourself, “What’s the worst possible outcome if these fears were to come true?” You should also consider why you have that fear in the first place - most anxieties are based on something much deeper, like a fear of being alone or dying.
What am I afraid will happen to me if I meet a ghost? Will it try to scare me, say “boo” like a cartoon, or do something annoying like open all the cabinets? Am I afraid because of a fictional piece of work, like a scary movie or an urban legend? Am I afraid because of something that is not real? How likely is it that there is actually a ghost? Can a ghost kill me? Is a ghost capable of harm at all, or is it just scary and annoying? Is there a reasonable explanation for what happened that doesn’t involve ghosts or the paranormal?
Try to make a point of imagining ridiculous, cartoonish ghosts and monsters. The more absurd you imagine these creatures, the less likely you are to be scared of them in the future. Whenever you find yourself feeling anxious or fearful, think about how silly you’ve imagined the creatures you’re afraid of. It’s hard to be scared of a ghost when you picture ghosts as smiling, goofy caricatures.
The easiest way to break your fear of ghosts and the paranormal is to question the proof you have of these phenomena. Ask yourself honestly, “What proof do I have that ghosts exist? Or that anything paranormal exists?” Try to remember that you’ve been alive for years and you’ve never been haunted or attacked by a ghost. If you’ve made it this far without a real paranormal attack, it’s safe to assume that you will never experience one. You will quickly realize that most of your “proof” that ghosts exist was based on feelings and intuitions rather than concrete, observable facts. The fact is that while ghost hunters may exist, scientists do not recognize the existence of ghosts.
Therapy is usually recommended when long-standing fears and anxieties persist or worsen. [7] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Fear of the paranormal may be related to some traumatic event in your life. A therapist can help you identify the cause of your anxiety and work on resolving the underlying issue(s).
When you’re at home, make sure you lock the doors before going to bed at night. That way, if you think you hear something in the middle of the night, you’ll know that there’s no one inside your home. Remove things that may frighten you. For example, if you have tree branches that scrape against the house, trim back the branches so you don’t question what that sound is every time the wind blows. Don’t leave things hanging from the ceiling or in doorways at home. You may see these figures at night and frighten yourself into thinking that they’re ghosts. Try leaving a nightlight on when you turn the lights out. Having a light source may help disrupt your fears of what might be “lurking” in the dark. [10] X Research source
If you cannot avoid scary TV shows and movies, make sure you at least avoid watching them for about an hour before you go to bed. Giving yourself a break from scary things before going to sleep will make you less likely to lie awake at night thinking about paranormal things. Try to watch something light or funny before bed so that you go to sleep relaxed and amused rather than frightened.
You can establish a relaxing ritual for any time of day, but at the very least you should find ways to relax before going to sleep. Take time to unwind and de-stress, but be consistent in how frequently you follow this routine (ideally on a daily basis). Making your routine familiar helps you know what to expect each day, which can reduce your anxiety and uncertainty. [13] X Research source You might try taking a warm bath or shower, going for a long walk, or trying relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation.
Recognize your strengths and accomplishments. By identifying what you’re good at and the things you’ve achieved, you may start feeling stronger and better about yourself. [15] X Research source Allow yourself to feel good about your achievements. Turn your achievements into self-affirmations. For example, if you feel good about how you played basketball, allow yourself to really believe that you’re a good player and a valuable team member. You can also build your self-esteem and reassure yourself by telling yourself that you are capable of handling anything, even the unknown.
Remember that ghosts aren’t real. Even if you believed that ghosts were real, they are immaterial beings without physical bodies. Therefore, there is no way that a ghost (if it were real) could actually harm you or anyone else. Your fears are most likely linked to some deeper, underlying anxiety that you haven’t fully addressed. Managing your anxiety will help you feel safer and break out of your fear of ghosts.
Resist the urge to engage in superstitious activities like crossing yourself, crossing your fingers, knocking on wood, etc. Wear a rubber band on your wrist. Whenever you find yourself engaging in ritualistic activities or believing in superstitions, snap the rubber band against your skin to bring your focus back to the present moment. [18] X Research source
There is usually a logical explanation for whatever you’re experiencing at any given time. Just because you can’t see or understand it, that doesn’t mean it’s a ghost. If you’re worried that a ghost is in your home, you’re probably just home alone and (subconsciously) looking for any break from the familiarity of your house. Some other common scientific explanations for paranormal experiences include atmospheric/geomagnetic activity, altered states of consciousness, stress-induced changes in brain chemistry, and changes in hormone concentrations.
Remember that there is no such thing as fate, luck, or paranormal intervention. The things that happen in life are governed by chance and the choices you make, not by ghosts. Resist the urge to categorize people and situations in advance. Wait until you’re experiencing something to decide whether it’s good or bad, then reflect on how the opportunity arose (usually through a series of decisions, not anything paranormal).
