I have a serious fear of burglars. I really need some tips/advice for calming down at night.?

Question

I'll often stay up till about 2-3 AM and just shake and get rapid heart beats because Im so terrified. I live in a good part of town, but its kind of in the country area. I just get so paranoid, I really want to get a restful sleep at night.

Answer 1

You really should invest in an alarm system- I have had one for about 4 years now, and it's one of the best things I spend my money on each month! Mine only costs about $45 a month, but for the peace of mind I get, it's totally worth it. Like others have mentioned, getting a dog is not a bad idea either.

To help yourself get calm, get in a nice hot bath before bedtime and soak. You also can try drinking some hot tea (without alot of sugar). The scent of lavender is very soothing- I have a lavender pillow mist from Bath and Body Works that I spray on my pillow before I go to sleep. I also like to go to sleep to a sound machine that has ocean waves, or rain, etc. Try not to watch TV, read or anything that stimulates your mind before bedtime so you have a peaceful nights sleep.

Good luck to you- anxiety is a terrible thing to live with.

Answer 2

Your fear is based both in what you know and what you don't know. It sounds like you know what could happen if a burglar broke in, but you don't know how likely that is. Don't be so quick to jump on what you do know (what would happen if a burglar broke in) or so quick to dismiss what you do know (that it's never happened to you).

While arming yourself with knowledge won't literally arm you, it's worth considering given how much sleep you've lost over something that hasn't happened. In this, knowledge would be the first place to start. If this, coupled with whatever security measures you could reasonably afford, doesn't make you feel better, looking into counseling might be the answer. The counselor might suggest medication that would help you sleep in addition to working through your fears.

Ask your local law enforcement agency about the crime rate. You might be surprised to find out how infrequently something happens or how the police were able to foil a burglar every time they even got so far as in town, much less in someone's house or business. Too, they can tell you how they are able to catch suspected persons -- dogs, motion sensors, night workers at local businesses, etc.

Being physically fit will enable you to feel more confident overall, but especially when it comes to how well you think you could defend yourself. Consider a defense class of some kind. Try anything from karate to kickboxing.

Be kind to yourself. You have this fear for a reason. It doesn't matter if the reason is because of an experience or a self-imposed belief with no basis in fact. You feel it, therefore it's real. You've given yourself permission to be fearful -- now give yourself to do something with it. Find a counselor, get a dog, take a defense class, talk with the police.

Put the same amount of time and effort into abating the fear as you do feeling the fear.

Answer 3

Get a good security system set up; these are great for letting you know if someone is trying to break in and a lot of them automatically signal for the police to come to your residence. They can be pricey but I'm sure they'll be worth the peace of mind. You can also install security lighting around your house or motion detector lights.

As far as everyone suggesting a dog; yes, this can be a good idea but please only get a dog if you're willing to take care of it. Dogs and any pet requires attention and maintenance.

Another thing I suggest is that you may want to seek some type of treatment from a therapist or counselor. The reason I'm suggesting this is because you may have an underlying anxiety disorder that's contributing to this. I know that when I'm really anxious and stressed the night time can make me feel even worse.

Take care and I hope things work out for you :)

Answer 4

I live out in a country area too and thoughs thoughts sometimes come into my head as well, and alarm might be a good idea a dog might also work, one that would bark if anything went wrong or something like that, mine barks at cars that go to slow by my house or anything that moves in a sencible way, and not a tiny dog either. A medium size dog, like a lab or a retreiver are good choices, you also get a good friend in the mix

Answer 5

I know what you mean, What helps me is making sure that my doors and windows are locked. If noises are keeping you up, try to identify as many as possible, where they're comming from (like that funny clicking noise is the heater) write them down or draw a picture of the lay out of your house and label the noises. Keep it by your bed and refer to it.

Another thimg is get some type of alarm system whether it's a professional system or you get a dog or get those things that stick on the door or window and when you or a burglar open it a loud siren goes off

Hope this helps.

Answer 6

Take the Melatonin supplement. It is sold in the vitamins aisle of any supermarket or superstore. Take it in the evening after taking a meal. Be sure to read the label. Buy the 1mg bottle and take 1 to 3 tablets. You'll sleep through the night. Use with precaution. And yes, get a dog.

Answer 7

I live in the country too. If you are single but some big man's boots at your front door so it looks like there is a big man inside. You could also install an alar or you could just but the sticker on the door so it looks like you have an alarm. Also but a beware of dog sing up on the fence. Or a dog bowl. A big one too. Hope this calms you down.

Answer 8

That likely won't happen here. My house is like a fortress with alarms and a dog for very early warning. But, if it did the person would most likely be suffering from a vitamin deficiency. (not enough lead in his system) I can help with that. Even if he's not religious I can arrange a meeting with Jesus for him. He would be greeted with hello's from 17 of my laser guided, screaming, exploding tips friends from Mr. Glock.

Answer 9

It's simple. Lock all the doors and windows in your house, and close the shades. If you have an alarm system, use it, and use it correctly. If you don't have one, I suggest you get one. If possible, install spot lights outside in areas most fit for a burglar to hide. Doing this, along with taking no chances, you should be all set, and safe from harm.

Answer 10

A dog and a good security system.Take up selfdefence course which will make you fee more confident about protecting yourself. Also you need to see a therapist to help you deal withyour actual fear.