Help with living alone after trauma

[Sarah11]

My house was broken into last year. I've moved into a new home, and im not settled here, but i have real anxiety worries when the children are at their dads house. How do I cope with being alone????

[BriarRose]

Hi Sarah

Just a very quick response for now, cos it's late and I'm not at my best But - what are your anxieties? Personal safety? If you were the victim of crime in your previous house, that's understandable, and Victim Support can help. Go to:

victimsupport.org.uk/Help-f...

If it's more personal, there are loads of books out there on the challenges/joys of living alone - and as someone who does live alone, I know there are both! You might like to look on here:-

amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss...

And, don't forget, the Samaritans are available 24 hours day, 365 days of the year, and will always talk you through the bad times. You can ring them on 08457 90 90 90 - go to

samaritans.org/how-we-can-h...

for more information.

I'm sure others will have tips and ideas, so keep posting, hope this helps a bit just for now!

Love

Rose

xxx

[hollow]

Hi Sarah... I live alone myself after a trauma (accident) didn't think I could do it, was frightened by isolation and panicked myself if the doors were locked by key, besides the health anxiety related to the after effects of my accident living alone has always been a big fear for me. I've not lived alone for any substantial period but this time around it's been easier, not easy but easier, I try to keep occupied, or at least I did in the initial stages. I've got used to being home alone that I've become so used to it that just sitting here isn't a problem, the sky didn't fall in, the world didn't pass me by, my friends didn't forget I exist.

Sharing my experiences and hearing others on this site has helped, it's comforting to know that there are others out there willing to help, offer advice, opinions and not want anything in return other than for you to feel better. Pity the world in general isn't more like that.

You don't say if it's the loneliness or the safety factor that is troubling you, feeling unsafe because you were burgled I understand but don't have much in the way to offer as my fear is because of other factors but the loneliness I do get. I also know you can get through it, to me it's all about occupying your mind, whether that's joining a group of some sort (not for me but I wouldn't knock it) setting tasks, reading those books that have been sat on the the shelf for months, making it you time when your children are at their dad's. I'm the opposite I have to fill my week and then have my son for company come the weekend. I know that's how I have managed to cope and I'm now at a point were living alone is good, comforting, relaxing, less stressful than I could ever imagine. Of course I get lonely, stressed, fearful etc but I did so when I lived with someone and now wonder if I shouldn't have done this a long time ago.