Poll Do You Use Stuff Toys / Animals For Comfort?

[Mina]

I don't have any pets, but I've realized lately that it helps me to hug or hold a stuffed animal when I am upset, sad, trying to sleep, or trying to talk about difficult things. I started sleeping with my bear and GloWorm from when I was a little girl, and find them very comforting. I just sleep better with them. Harold is my little fat sand-filled fish, and he comes to therapy with me. He fits perfectly in my hand, and I play with him and rub his satin belly while I talk. Emma, the stuffed rottweiler my cousin gave me, lives on the couch and is my "I'm in a really bad mood and am going to sit here and stew" friend to hug.

Anybody else have inanimate buddies?

 

[Nicolette]

Mina. I added a poll for you. Please let me know if was not what you wanted.

 

[SweetpinNH]

I have a collection of teddy bears DH has given me over the years. There is one called Hero. He is a larger Beanie Baby and wears a tie. One morning shortly my diagnosis I was still in bed when DH had to leave for work. He got Hero and handed him to me and said, "You should snuggle with Hero." I've been doing that ever since. Hero even came on vacation with us.

 

[dlross]

I have a little black teddy bear that someone gave me over 20 years ago. Her name is Willy. That was my grandmother's nickname; her surname was Williams. I also have a lovely big soft doggie named Kuschel, which is German for cuddle.

 

[Mina]

Mina. I added a poll for you. Please let me know if was not what you wanted.

Thank you, Nicolette! I felt kind of silly after I clicked "submit" and realized I hadn't done the poll. :)

 

[brokenchild]

I've slept with at least one stuffed animal ever since i can remember.

 

[Claire]

I used to have teddy bears as a child but grew out of them when I was about 6-7. My therapist suggested one might help and I hated the idea. I eventually gave in when my nightmares were really bad. The toy has helped me a lot. Particularly when the nights are very bad.

 

[Marlene]

I slept with a blue elephant until I was abour 14 or 15. It gave me a lot of comfort because I was afraid of the dark for years and years.

I have noticed that in the last couple of years when I have a bad night and my husband is not there for me to snuggle up to, I use a substitute. I either grab one of my DH's pillows and snuggle it to me or use his half of the comforter. I guess it's all part of that providing comfort for ourself. Plus his side of the bed smells like him and that helps, too.

Lisa

 

[Seychelle]

I never got comfort from toys when I was little. I thought I should, so I tried but I never really bonded with my teddies or other toys, although my younger sister did.

About 10 years ago, I started sleeping with a teddy bear. I like it, it's comfortable and comforting.

A few months ago, I bought myself another teddy. He sits in my lounge room. I sometimes hug him when I'm dissociated and lost in flashbacks and feeling very little.

 

[2quilt]

I use my cats instead.

 

[healing007]

I have a teddy bear named "Teddy". When I was little, I would hug him tightly, crying myself to sleep. One childhood memory I have (i don't have a lot) is my mom washing him and me freaking out. I needed the familiar comforting smell and look of Teddy. Teddy was safe : ) I still have the bear... usually I use a pillow or another stuffed animal when I'm feeling scared and alone.

 

[wildfirewildone]

Hellooooo!! I have been using plush critters for comfort for years and years....I have not cared what anyones' opinion was of me for having one of my critters with me, such as when I'd go to therapy or to any one of my doctors. Right now I'm sleeping with a purple horse [a gift from a friend as I told her that I wanted a pony for my birthday a few years ago] and a long soft floppy bunny that I bought for myself for Easter 2 years ago. I also carry one 6-7 inch soft bunny in my carry bag. I also have several critters that ride around in my van, just in case an emergency [like getting triggered] happens. I have quite an assemblage of critters!! My T has said that I had at least done something to help my self cope other than alcohol or illegal drugs. At that time I even didn't need his opinion but it was so very nice to hear!! I also have a soft throw with a kids' design on it. I can't sleep anywhere without it covering my head. I even take it to the hospital with me!! I don't accept the crappy comments that some doctors in ERs make about it and my critters. I feel that I'm more important with my coping skills to comfort myself in such situations, especially when my PTSD symptoms are presenting themselves. I highly recommend this type of comfort and security to everyone and not only to fellow PTSD'ers.