Quote:
Originally Posted by Jennifer 1967
We have a large bay window that faces the street that has big, heavy curtains always opened (long story). You can clearly see into our main room at night. It’s creepy. Last night mom’s dog KEPT growling and barking. I went around putting on all the dead bolts and lights outside on.
I think my anxiety over COVID mixed with my fear of somebody outside and I sat awake all night on guard. Drinking lots of coffee this morning. Hope to sleep tonight. ybe My regards to those that do this night after night.
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I agree. I think it just makes sense the anxiety and fear can become generalized and/or transferred onto other things/situations, etc. I do think it gets worse when/if the anxiety continues to escalate. It then becomes self-perpetuating and often panic attacks may follow . Panic attacks tend to also become self-perpetuating.
I know people often feel. they should not use any med that might dull their senses because they feel they need to remain vigilant/hypervigilant. It's certainly understandable. Maybe try a 1/2 tab or a smaller dose if one cannot take the usual prn dosage. and/or utilize skills.
As mentioned in this thread, CBT skills can be very helpful in managing the anxiety, etc.
Yet, when a dog is barking/growling, who can argue with that?
When My PTSD was at its worse, I had totally relied upon my Service Dog to let me know what was and was not going on in my immediate environment.
I feel for you, Jennifer. I know you are not alone!
