ptsd and anxiety

What’re some relaxing things you like ? Bubble bath? Sheet masks? Etc

My fiancé works out of town, and something that helps me feel more secure is the Ring security system. There are sensors on all doors and windows that show if they are opened or closed. We also have cameras on front porch (doorbell) and back porch (solar powered). You can adjust how far they view, how sensitive they are, etc. We both have it set up on our phones, so he can see what’s happening outside at home, and even talk to people through the doorbell, even when he’s hours away! You can easily call 911 from the main devices or from the app. It definitely helps give me peace of mind!

Have you ever tried to YouTube ASMR? At first I thought it was weird and I didn’t like it at all, and some of them are really weird, like some of the sounds or like when people eat that really grosses me out, but other ASMR’s have really helped. Not sure how you feel about medication, I’m personally not taking any more medication for sleep. I get super afraid at night if I’m by myself! I don’t like being at home alone in general but at four in the morning it’s the worst! ASMR really helps ease your mind. Not gonna lie, I have actually put a heavy bookcase in front of my door because I was so scared when I was by myself one night. My dog is amazing and so protective but sometimes he gets just as spooked out as me LOL any little noise and we’re both under the covers

Have you ever gone to counseling? I have severe PTSD from my ex-husband who tortured and abused me severely. I have now been in my current relationship for 7 years and am still going to counseling on a monthly basis. My fiancé is amazing and supports me with my therapy and emotions. I also have a cat that keeps me company during the day when I am alone. I plan on getting a dog soon as well.

That is incredibly scary to have a "loved one" treat you so horrifically. I'm very glad that you were able to get out/ move past that situation, and I'm sure it took a lot of guts!
Regarding the security feeling at home, I'd echo all the PPs but would also ask you to consider how you reduce your anxiety for other areas (vs just your safety.)
Some people distract themselves/ stay present, others work through the anxiety (journals and such), etc. I've found success with preparedness and building layers of control. So I try to imagine the stressful thing at a time when it's not happening, and then think through the scenarios and what I'll do.So for the home thing, I might make a plan to double check all the door and window locks (and get those neat glass break alarms, if you can!), I already sleep with a knife under the mattress 😂, and I have emergency exit plans from various rooms. Knowing those plans are in place helps me feel like "hey, you've done what you can to prevent and handle this thing". Use whatever tools work for you!

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Seconding this. I went through something very similar to what you describe and therapy was the only thing that's helped with any sort of permanence, along with particular meds that I won't get into here.

I have PTSD and anxiety too and have similar thoughts or feelings something awful will happen to me. It was terrible when my fiancé worked nights. I started taking Zoloft and trazadone at night to help me sleep as needed. I also started therapy because I’m ready to conquer the hell out of my trauma. I encourage talking to someone and taking medication to help with the symptoms until you process everything.

Hey Gabrielle, I am so sorry to hear about this difficult time you’re going through. I hope you have a strong support network around you to help you get through it. If talking to someone online or on the phone might help you feel better I recommend trying a free online or phone listening service like 7 Cups of Tea, The Hotline, and The Samaritans. I also strongly recommend counseling to talk through this. Please let me know if I can help, I’ll be thinking about you.