Another approach is to face your fear gradually. Start by reading or watching milder ghost stories and then analyze them critically. You'll find that often there are simple explanations for the 'creepy' elements, like the use of sound effects or suspenseful writing techniques to create a spooky atmosphere. Once you understand how these stories are crafted, they might not seem so overwhelming.
You could limit your exposure to ghost stories. If you know they overwhelm you, avoid reading or watching things related to them. Instead, focus on positive and real - life things that make you feel good.
You can listen to some calming music after hearing such a story. It will soothe your mind and help you get over the uneasiness. For example, classical music like Mozart or Bach can be very relaxing.
Just tell yourself they're not real. Most ghost stories are made up to scare people. If you keep that in mind, you won't be so afraid.
You could try to think about something positive or funny when you hear a ghost story. That way, you won't focus on the scary parts. Also, expose yourself to them gradually to build up your tolerance.
You can try to analyze the stories rationally. Realize that they are just fictional tales made up to create a sense of fear. Also, talking about your fear with others can help. They might share their own experiences or give you tips on how to face it. Another approach is to focus on the positive aspects of the stories, like the creativity in the plot or the way the characters are developed.
One way is to understand that most local ghost stories are just that - stories. They are often part of the local folklore and passed down through generations with a lot of exaggeration. Try to rationalize that there is no scientific evidence for the existence of ghosts.
In dark rooms, the sense of being overwhelmed might be due to the lack of light which can play tricks on our minds. In a ghost story context, it could be the anticipation of something supernatural. Maybe the stillness and the shadows seem to take on a life of their own. Our minds are wired to fear the unknown, and dark rooms are full of it. When combined with the idea of a ghost story, our fears multiply as we expect the unexpected, like a cold touch or a strange sound.
Perhaps it's a personal account of someone who has a phobia of the dark and their fear is intensified by the idea of a ghost in the dark rooms. It could be that they have had a previous encounter with something unexplainable in a dark room, and now every time they enter one, they get overwhelmed. Without more context, it's hard to say more precisely.
It could be that the ghost story triggers some deep-seated fears or emotions within you. Or maybe the way it's told is very vivid and immersive, making you feel overly involved.
One effective way is to expose yourself more to the things that scare you in a controlled way. Read more ghost stories, watch more horror movies related to ghosts. Gradually, you may become desensitized to them and not get so overwhelmed. But this should be done at your own pace and only if you feel comfortable doing so.
You could try to avoid reading or listening to such stories for a while. Just focus on positive and light - hearted things, like funny movies or cute animal videos.