To be freaking out a bit?

[phoenix1404]

Last night I was just settling down to sleep at about 12.30 when a car went by and silhouetted a man right up against my bedroom window!!!! I live alone in a small bungalow with a bit of a front garden and a hedge. Then he started making tapping noises - no idea what he was doing but it was the kind of noise you'd get if you tapped on the window with a coin.

By the time I got myself sitting up (takes a bit of time because I'm disabled) and looking out thee was no sign of him. I swithered over what to do, but decided I really should call the police. If someone down the road got burgled and I hadn't alerted them, I'd never forgive myself. Well, they came - not much they can do as I can't describe him and he didn't get inside, but they'll keep an eye on the area.

I've been on edge ever since - jumping at every noise and no chance of getting to sleep. I have depression and anxiety, but is this a normal reaction?

Hell yes that's a normal reaction! But the tapping sounds to me like he was accidentally in the wrong place or some ssshole who thought it would be funny to scare someone.

I'd get my security checked carefully, maybe some outside motion sensitive lights and a dog!

Oh my god op I'd have a heart attack. This would terrify me! Put some motion censor lights outside and tell your neighbours so they can keep an eye out too.

Oh my gosh poor you, how frightening. Glad you called the police. Of course this is a normal reaction. Make sure everything is locked if you haven't already. Is there a friend, relation or neighbor who you could ring to come to you? I would personally make myself a drink, put the tv on or try and read a book to try and calm down.

Thanks guys. It helps to know that this is normal and I'm not over-reacting.

I'd have shit myself.

You're not overreacting at all. Even if it was someone at the wrong house by accident I'd be jumpy. Make sure you have your alarm on and you already called the police to let them know so I'd try and tell myself it was a one off/accident and sleep properly.

Oh gosh poor you! I'd be petrified and I'm a fit able bodied person. I don't blame you. It sounds like he mistook your house for someone else's, maybe a friend's or something, and was trying to knock to see if they were home or something. I had that happen in my last house share as it used to be bedsits and guys showed up a few times knocking thinking an old pal still lived there. I would just explain there's nobody there by that name. But it was a big secure house with eight of us so felt safe. I'd have been terrified in your position.

Is there anything you can do to reassure yourself? Sleep with your phone and ask a friend to keep theirs on overnight? Put a baseball bat next to the bed? Just to feel less vulnerable.

I bet it's nothing nefarious but an awful shock, the silhouette thing and the surprise is straight from a horror movie. Totally natural for your body to react so strongly. It's your instincts trying to keep you safe and your fight or flight system kicking in to make you alert for danger. Keep posting here for support!