I grew up in a scary environment and have been dealing with the effects of that in therapy and more recently, on my own as I can't afford therapy at the moment. I'm particularly trying to overcome continuous stomach upset caused by fear. This fear affects me the most at night time.

Lately, I've been trying to make myself feel more safe by just listening to what I need, no matter how silly it may seem.. So, one night I slept with a light on, another night I checked my whole flat with a flashlight before going to bed - every corner, under the bed, sofa, chairs and tables, cupboards that there was no one else here..

Now I'm once again dreading going to bed. I asked myself what it is that I'm afraid of and heard 'I'm scared that someone will come and try to suffocate me!' Telling myself there's no one here doesn't help because 'there's always the possibility that someone will break in'.. So I'm just sharing how I feel here in order to get it out there and be heard, I feel I need that..

[Yoda]

That must be very scary

Thank you so much for your sympathy, Yoda It really is a scary thought, especially having something like that in my unconscious.. I'd rather know about my fears and be able to share them because that helps. Thank you again for 'listening'

[handheart]

Try before you sleep to pray to good and in bed speak to your subconstiwent mind to heal you ,imaginate yourself that you are cured and all fears disapears its important to do this before you sleep and imediatly after you wake up because in that moment the subconstient its the most active

[skeksi]

I also have fears like that and used to resist things like checking under the furniture, etc. But when I stopped judging myself and did check, it helped (a little). On my most scared nights I go to bed with a TV show on my iPad playing quietly--I turn the light way down and turn it away from me but just the quiet noise helps so the fears don't overtake me.

It's scary and I'm sorry you have to deal with it, too.

[Als1495]

When I lived alone, in my 1 bedroom apt I used to check under the furniture cabinets, closets, bathroom, everywhere something might be. I did this ritual every night for long periods of time, I used to be so afraid of something choking me every night. (I used to hallucinate at night a lot). Now I live at home with my parents again and I have stopped checking things, but I sleep with a small lamp on, I even keep it on during the day. Helps keep things from bothering me... but I can totally get the real feeling of fear

Thank you all so much for your advice and for sharing your experiences!

These really are terrible things to have to go through, but it helps to know I'm not alone, and to not be judged for my 'silly' ways of coping.. Anything to feel better, right