Crippling anxiety around being home alone at night

[lovescarbs]

Hi all,

Just wanted some advice on the above really. I’m really ‘normal’ if a little over anxious in other areas of life (have a job, see friends etc.) but just can’t seem to get over this crippling anxiety of being home alone at night.

Have no DC yet and OH often works away during the week and I just find it so challenging. I panic and think every noise is danger and often don’t sleep at all really and end up ringing OH in middle of the night panicking. I just wondered if anyone has any tips/advice? I’m seeing a hypnotherapist but still struggling with this.

Thanks,
Carbs

I think a lot of people find that unpleasant.

What is your fear of exactly? Can you do something to alleviate it? So if it's someone coming in, can you get a lock for the bedroom door?

Scatty, I think you’re right that it’s relatuveky common but I just feel silly- fully grown woman who can’t cope alone at night!

Yes exactly that- a fear of someone coming in and harming me. I do lock all doors/windows but it never feels enough to be ‘safe’

My daughter aged 12 recently told me that she is desperately afraid at night, even if she's not in the house alone, and she's had it for years, she said. She came into my room last night in tears, wanting to sleep in the room with me. She is setting up to have a problem into adulthood I think. I don't know what to do about it. Have you always had this problem?

Frida- your poor DD- I know how dehabilitating it can be and it sounds like she is having a really tough time .

Yes unfortunately it’s been a problem for me for a long time and like your DD as a child/teen I was sometimes scared in my room alone at night, even if others were in the house. Not sure what the answer is!

I could of written this myself, to the point that I no longer stay home alone at night. It's so sad and I need to break out of the circle as well but don't know how!

I use to be the same I solved my issue with 2dogs not helpful but it worked x