I have extreme anxiety when my husband goes out of town and I m home alone at night. Help?

Question

I thought maybe it was because I watch a lot of shows about serial killers and other criminals because I find it really interesting, but then I realized that I watched all those shows when I was single and lived alone, and it didn't bother me then. I have tried all sorts of things, from barricading the doors to sleeping with a butcher knife and pepper spray...you name it, nothing helps. I'm still up all night with my heart pounding at every little creak or squeak. WTF should I do? Therapy? Medication???

Answer 1

I had a similar problem when I became single again. I got a dog. A pug, to be specific. Sweet, gentle, funny, snores (so I could have the sound to sleep!) and a very good watch dog. Not that he could do anything, but he was able to tell if a noise was worth worrying about or not. I slept better knowing he'd let me know if there was a problem.

I'm remarried now, and he is 13, and he is still a very good friend to me.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Get a pet snake or a dog.  Sleep with a baseball bat.  Drink more water.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

Ask a friend or family member to stay over with you, or go to a friend or relative house until he comes back. no need to do this alone. talk to someone about this, better yet your husband, maybe he has some ideas on what to do. god bless.

Answer 5

Anxiety sucks. Big time. I'm recovering from ocd. Try talking about it with your husband and do relaxing and fun activities together to take your mind off the worries of being alone. Read The Linden Method. It really helps but it's in your power to heal yourself. Also don't try medication. They do more damage than good. Try to think about it this way. When you've been home a lone during the day or the night, have you come to any harm? No. So why should you now? You're safe if your door is locked, you're not all alone, there are neighbors nearby and your husband and the police are just a a phone away if something bad would happen, but it won't. So don't worry. You'll get over this thing. Have faith. Best regards and good luck =)

Answer 6

A serial killer can strike anyone, anytime. You've taken good steps to ensure your safety. You can never be too safe. I don't know the statistics of serial killers breaking into a home and killing people inside. Perhaps talk to a therapist about this. I don't think it would require too many visits. He or she can provide some perspective maybe.

Pepper spray can be a good form of defense. Bear spray is also good because it can spray over a longer distance. Also, buy a dog too. Dogs can be a great form of protection.

Some people might be against it, but I suggest buying a gun. And learning how to use it.  It's up to you though. If you're new to guns, maybe stick with a handgun. It's important to be a responsible gun owner.

Hope this helps.

Answer 7

i know this feeling.

i feel better, if i have my dog with me, in bed!

Do you have a dog?if no dog:consider adopting one,check the local Humane Society.The dog doesn't have to be huge, or monster-like:a small/medium dog will make enough noise to drive any burglar off!