I have done before. Thing is, with a shrink - I just felt like I was another number in line. It didn't feel as personalized as it maybe should've been. I suppose some are better than others though - But paying someone to tell me their opinions on my personal life? Not exactly my idea of a good time.

Yeah, it does depend on the shrink. My shrink is kick-ass. He tries to help me sort out my problems myself, instead of telling me what my problems are. He also gives me tips as to how to adjust myself. He's really cool.

Is it expensive seeing a shrink?

I'm afraid of being alone in the dark :(

My boyfriend works late, if I'm alone by myself and the power goes out because of a lightning storm or something I can't stay in the house. I try my best to calm myself down, I'll call friends or something. I usually end up running outside with my shoes barely on, and waiting outside in the rain until my boyfriend comes home from work.

Don't worry, I've had it explained to me: I'm leaving my house where I am alone and safe, to go outside in the rain where there could possibly be something dangerous lurking. I really wish there was some magic pill I could take because I know how ridiculous this fear is and I am so embarrassed by it. I'm not a little girl anymore... I feel so stupid after, but my imagination just goes wild.

You're a horror fan right? C'mon now...ha
Nah I won't poke fun, shit fucks with peoples heads in weird ways.

We're you like ever robbed/mugger or anything of the like? ever come home to find your place broken into? Any kind of traumatic/violent event that occured indoors?
Even receiving bad news while you were alone at home?
You don't have to answer there - just that it would seem to me like those are likely calalyst events...but not necessarily, just what comes to mind when I think about it.
My suggestion would be to accept it as a bit of nutso on your part, and from then on get to doing stuff that'll eliminate it for you.
Calling friends is a good idea, having music or whatever on would work too, maybe videogames?
Since you live in the states, I'd say probably not the news.
I'd say chop yourself up some vegetables, herbs and spices...but that's just a personal comfort thing for me, I guess.
Write yourself a checklist, this is something I reckon might actually work...even if over time write down thoughts you have and make the checklist based on that...if you have to do a routine armed (I mean like, pepperspray/blunt objects) scan/patrol of your vicinity to convince yourself it's safe, then do it as long as you need to - make it so you've got no other option but to think there's nothing that could even feasibly get to you - tick things off and all.
...the activity in itself is something to do, and might take your mind off things and help with your organisational and time management skills as well.

Could always get a dog too?

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK - Worse than worms. :o :(

...

Worst. Image. Ever.

I have a very irrational...I don't know if it's a fear or simply disgust. Anyway, I hate cockroaches. Their antennae, their scuttling, how fast they go and not being able to see any face on them. I can't be within 5 foot of one. Funny, because I don't mind most insects. I think it is mainly the ones with no visible face like millipeeds.