Do you get scared home alone?

[Tilllly]

I do
Not always - thankfully

But sometimes I'm just spooked
It's not as tho I live in the middle of nowhere

And I really don't think a psychopath is hiding in the attic till I turn the light off

Any tips? I hate it

DH is military so I don't really have a choice.

Dh works away a lot and in our last house we had 2 attempted break ins. So I know it only takes one accidentally unlocked door/window and they could have been much worse! So I don’t like being on my own at night, often have something like friends on to go to sleep!
I do suffer with anxiety though, it’s fun 🙄

Hotels freak me out. I previously worked in a job where I was privy to confidential personal information (think benefits adviser) and where there was therefore a high risk of blackmail/bribery. I think the security team may have gone a bit overboard when briefing me and others about the risks that brought when staying in hotels - hidden cameras, people following you, people knowing your hotel room and breaking in… so now my imagination goes mad if I’m in a hotel room alone!

In my own house, same as PPs, I attribute any sounds to my cats. Makes me more relaxed as it’s an old house that would make noises anyway - this way I don’t worry about them.

I was terrified of the dark well into adulthood. Now if I’m feeling a bit nervy, I keep a red light on by my bed. Doesn’t keep me awake like a normal light would, and means I can see the room if I open my eyes.

Yes this is what spurred me to get over it too. Didn’t have a choice as I was alone so much.

No never. My home is where I feel safe and secure.
My tips are leave a radio on and a light and always lock up.

@AngryBirdsNoMore Then you have to get used to them being home. Then used to being alone again. 😂😂😂 I absolutely hate change!!!

No, not even when there's a spider.

@Tilllly I can lend you the neediest dog, the grumpiest DH and a fully fledged teenage boy who needs to tell you in the most minute detail every single move he made on the latest computer game he is playing. Cured me of my 'home alone' fears

This is an overreaction. The GP would be if someone rocked up and said they need help with mild fear.

This obsession with medicalising normal human feelings is unhealthy.

No, I've lived alone for a good part of my life.

Forgot to say, I leave the radio on all night, but that's more to do with imagining every noise was an earthquake after a major one (not in the UK obviously). Now I just like having it on.

It's a mix at times, I personally would prefer a panic style room as the main quarters, bit like the vault in the contential hotel in the John wick films, or the men of letters bunker from supernatural.

Absolutely fine when on my own.

But when DH is away and I'm home with DS then I definitely feel an extra responsibility and sleep with the light on and heavy torch to hand. Strange the way the mind works!

No direct neighbour for about half a mile away. Watching tv with my blinds open. Absolutely not scared and never am. I go for walks at night with my head torch. Nothing to be scared if.

unless i see a cow.

No. I live alone now my OH has died. I decided that one of the worst things that could happen had already happened and if anyone wants to burgle my house, attack me or whatever then what the hell.

💐I’m sorry for your loss, @Mischance

Me sometimes. I steal the kids night light 💡

On occasion I do. Most of the time I love being alone but there's just the odd time that I will overthink it. Probably if I've watched the wrong sort of TV show or read something creepy online

Yes sometimes!

Ridiculously, I don't lock my front door at night because the feeling I have of wanting to be able to get out fast if I need to is bigger than the feeling of being scared about someone getting in.

I get panicked that unspecified creatures (I'm thinking birds, mice and bats in my head...) are in the house if there's a funny noise.

I'm 39. It's honestly stupid, I'm basically scared of the dark. Don't think anything will change me - sometimes putting on some old familiar comedy or something helps, sometimes I give myself a good talking to, and sometimes I just go to bed and keep myself firmly under the covers!

If you're scared, keep the downstairs light on. If you have a timer, great.

Advice from a police friend of mine.

I live on my own so no choice but to not be scared 😂

Get a dog - mine make me feel much more secure if DH is away for any reason

I feel like the odd anxiety is normal and doesn't need medical management FFS.

What the GP going to do? You don't need medication or therapy because your a bit scared on occasion. You just need a night light and a podcast. Basic MN tips will suffice.

No
Catastrophising is exhausting and a waste of brain energy.

Thanks
I'll have a think and come back to you.... 😁