How to Get Over Fear of Being Home Alone
how to feel safe home alone at night
Here are 11 tips to help you solve
how to get over fear of being home alone.
1 | Security Cameras
How To Get Over Fear of Being Home Alone
Having a camera can give you a sense of security.
Even something that looks like a camera might make you feel a little more safe.
If people think they might be on camera they’re much less likely to do something.
You could even use a trail cam that just takes pictures when something goes by.
This camera has pretty good reviews
2 | Motion Lights
How To Get Over Fear of Being Home Alone
Ok, I feel like these lights can go either way. I would say if you get some, make sure they’re accurate and not going to care the sh*t out of you over nothing.
The one that I have works well, when it does go off, there is always an explanation; deer, possum, my dog, etc.
There is a random branch that sometimes sets it off when it’s windy but you could even move/cut some things to make sure it has a good view.
The camera I have above has lights but if you didn’t want to spend as much money there are just motion lights that are cheaper without a camera.
I’ll put a link to some below.
3 | A Dog
How To Get Over Fear of Being Home Alone
Dogs can be a good solution because they are another set of eyes and ears, they’ll let you know something is going on & can even scare things away.
I use to get anxious when I would leave my house because I felt like somebody could have maybe came in while I was gone & was going to attack me when I came back.
BUT, having a dog has really helped. Here are some of the breeds that are known for guarding.
4 | People
How To Get Over Fear of Being Home Alone
Here are just a couple ideas
- Have neighbors check in with you
- Have friends or family stop by to visit
- Call family/friends when you need support
- Call warm lines or crisis lines for support
- Join virtual groups for PTSD, anxiety, meditation, dancing; ANYTHING.
When I lived in an apartment I was never scared..
Then I moved and was surrounded by the woods and a creepy trail… that my house is VISIBLE from.
I could just imagine someone walking by while I’m home alone, at night, looking over to see me in my house; with no witnesses in sight.
I’ve used the lights and groups for adult children of alcoholics, but people are another good tip.
Just talking on the phone was a good distraction for me but having someone stop by, if it’s possible is helpful too.
5 | Cover Windows
How To Get Over Fear of Being Home Alone
Knowing that people can see into your house is not a good feeling.
Buy curtains, blinds, hang blankets, doesn’t matter to me, as long as I’m not visible to whoever could be strolling by.
6 | Have A Plan
How To Get Over Fear of Being Home Alone
Let someone know ahead of time that you might reach out to them because you’ll be home alone.
Or, make arrangements like
- Something virtual
- A class
- Group
- Your favorite show
- Cooking dinner
- Making a dessert
- Cleaning or organizing something
- Online shopping
- Planning for an event/vacation
7 | Medication
How To Get Over Fear of Being Home Alone
Antidepressants can DRAMATICALLY improve anxiety. I at one point was
- Preoccupied with one doorway in my house that I could see from my bed.
- It creeped me out, I felt like someone was standing just outside of it (in my house).
- Very focused on my deck, feeling as if I heard someone walking on it.
- Worried that someone would be waiting for me in my backseat when I got in my car
- Thought I had heart problems
- My UID was out of place
- Had breast cancer
- Having panic attacks
I started Zoloft and within about a month a lot of those things were MUCH less debilitating.
It also gave me the energy and confidence to start therapy, which changed my life.
FOR THE BETTER!
If you’re not into taking something everyday, you could even try something as needed.
Something like Benadryl, an antihistamine, is a medication that will make you drowsy and is usually helpful for falling asleep.
You could even see if some supplements help.
Vitamin D is a common one that people don’t have enough of, which can make mental health worse.
Here are a couple posts I wrote that give more info (I’m a nurse in real life, lol)
10 Vitamins and Minerals for Mental Health Worth Trying
5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Antidepressants
Medications can really help when you’re struggling with how to get over fear of being home alone.
Don’t feel bad about taking them.
8 | Distraction
How To Get Over Fear of Being Home Alone
Sitting on the couch waiting to hear a noise to verify your worst fears is not a good plan.
Try something to distract you
- Do your nails
- Paint
- Cook
- Bake
- Scrapbook
- Facetime someone
- Read
Make sure it’s captivating enough so that you won’t be completely focused on the anxious stuff still.
Getting in the bathtub isn’t exactly captivating, and you’re naked; even more vulnerable.
Figuring out how to get over fear of being home alone might take some trial and error.
9 | Avoid Scary Stuff
How To Get Over Fear of Being Home Alone
When you’re learning how to get over fear of being home alone; consider what yout anxiety could be influenced by.
I love Forensic Files.
But, sometimes I need a break for my mental health.
Then I usually try Dateline.
Turns out, it’s still not a good option.
Try avoiding or even just limiting some of the criminal/murder/horror podcasts, TV shows, and movies.
SHOWS TO AVOID
- Snapped
- Who the Bleep Did I Marry
- See No Evil
- 48 Hours
- The First 48
- DEFINTELY COLD CASE
- The Jeffrey Dahmer Story
Or, after the scary stuff, watch something not scary afterwards to give you some balance.
10 | Locks
How To Get Over Fear of Being Home Alone
Find a way to lock the doors, windows, sliders, prop chairs under doors if you have to.
11 | Ease into It
How To Get Over Fear of Being Home Alone
I am a firm NON-BELIEVER in “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”
Give yourself some grace when you’re learning how to get over fear of being home alone.
If you’re not tolerating it, then try doing less of it and add more support.
If at all possible, take your time adjusting to being home alone.
Exposure to it is a good thing, if done right.
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