Scared at night & I don't know what to do

[Missaaaa]

Long story short I have anxiety. It was made worse by multiple break ins at my previous house a year ago. Ever since I can't sleep at night and living at this new place means I live with my landlord - who is overseas for three weeks. It's the midway point and I'm hearing sounds and I can't distinguish between house, people or cats. I have the numbers for my neighbours who I've met only once and I don't want to alert them for nothing so late but I'm really anxious and tense. 😣 Anyone know what I should do??!

[Hope_for_the_best]

Have you gone to a GP or counsellor for your anxiety? If not, consider doing so.

It is definitely difficult to live in constant worries of burglary. Now you are living in a new place right? Are there any security measures in place to protect your house? That would be the first thing to work on if you haven't done so. If you have done so, then try not to stress too much when you are awaken by sounds in the middle of the night. Reassure yourself that you are safe and do some breathing exercises to get back to sleep. It may help to wear ear plugs when you are sleeping.

[Missaaaa]

I was meant to but my appointment was cancelled. It's been a year since the last break in and I'm in a safer area but the sounds I'm hearing aren't house-moving-at-night sounds. Like car doors, though I know they're not mine because the car has an alarm. I have no say over the house. All I know is that one window is iffish and that the only room I could lock myself into is the bathroom. I usually go to bed early to avoid this but tonight I lost track of time. 😣

[Jessicatherese94]

Hi Missa, I definitely think you should speak to someone regularly about how you're feeling. If your appointments are regularly being cancelled you may want to talk to a counsellor/psychologist who isn't as busy and can see you on a more ongoing basis i.e. weekly. Maybe try and really think about what is going on - is it more likely that the car door slamming is someone coming home from work or a night out, or someone that is going to break into your house? I think just considering the likelihood of that happening would really help you. You could try putting headphones on and listening to some rain sounds online, I find them to be extremely relaxing. Wishing you the best.

[Goldfishono]

Hey Misa

I'm going through the same thing. I get really scared from any kind of noise, its a terrible feeling. The more i think about it the worse i feel. No one should have to feel unsafe in their own home, I'm sorry you're having to experience this. I've been listening to the radio and leaving the lights on. Its really hard but i think its important to keep trying and finding new ways to counter these feelings - one day at a time. Hope you feel better soon.