When Will I Feel Safe Again?

[Esther]

If hiding under the covers feels safe -

Is it the warmth?

Once you have a clue what the key ingredients are, try to recreate them differently as part of your day. Wear layers of clothing. Take time to sit still and just breathe in silence. Always lock your doors.

I like being curled up in the fetal position, and I like the feeling of the heavy covers on me. And I like being warm. I've been wearing lots of layers lately but the weather is getting too hot.
Sometimes I turn the air con on full ball so I can wear my fuzzy dressing gown :smile:

Locking the doors isn't an issue. It's not like I worry about specific events, its just this global anxiety that i'm not safe.
Hopefully working through it in therapy will help eventually.

 

[Cindy]

Esther:

I understand exactly how you feel. There was a period in my healing where I did not feel safe anywhere at anytime. Lots of klonopin. It does pass as you begin to lose some of your hypervigilence. There are still times I freak out that way but I talk myself down.

It will pass with time and reinforcement by your actions - making yourself feel safe. Don't worry you will not have to hide in the blanket cave the rest of your life, just till you pass through this stage of healing.

Distraction is an awesome weapon when you are feeling unsafe. When I was in the hospital once my therapist suggested making a comfort box to place next to my bed for when I have nightmares or flashbacks. The box is a total distractor. It's full of treasures I love, a bag of sand from a beach with seashells in it, a pine cone, soft teddy bear, small sketch pad with markers, a book of suduko, a container of silly putty, scented lotion and candles, .... you get the idea.

Keep posting and we will try to support you.

Cindy

 

[Kunoichi]

Hey Esther,

I just got recently diagnosed and simarily, recently out of the abuse. I have the same questions of when the pain will stop. When will I feel safe again?

I find for me, that I only feel safe if I'm at home or if I'm in public, when my husband is with me. I hope that you will be able to find some good methods for you! :)

I'm reading all these posts and they have some real good ideas that I am going to try also! So thank you for posting this!

Kelly