[HD7970GHZ]

Hello all,

My safe place is my "little space," where I have teddy bears, blankies and diapers. I regress to feel safe from the dark and scary world. It has been a safe place and a refuge filled with comfort and nurture.

I spoke to someone on a distress line and told her about how I always want to stay in my "safe place." She said this was common in PTSD and that sometimes our "safe place," can become a problem. Problem being that we can spend too much time there and thus, we don't go outside our comfort zone and live... I am definitely guilty of spending too much time in my safe place and I know this because part of me wants to leave it. It is as though there are two opposing forces within me, one that says to stay in little space while the other says to leave and grow up. I will eventually force myself to get up and go out for a walk, but as soon as I leave I will want so badly to retreat to my safe place. Triggers are everywhere... My little space is my go to and whenever I am out and about I just want to go back to my apartment and snuggle with my teddies in little space...

Does anyone relate to this? Any advice with how to limit? Can our safe place be a barrier for going out into the world?

Thanks,
HD7970ghz

[leomama]

safe place? What's that?

[MtnTime2896]

For a very limited time, I spent my days in my safe place, since then I have gradually increased my exposure therapy. I have regressed recently and had severe issues with achieving any progress, lately.

To be honest, I'm out of my "safe place" at this moment and it's scaring the hell out of me. That's how my safe place has become a problem. It has left me unable to function properly outside of my "safe place".

Safe and steady progress in exposure therapy is the best treatment I know for this issue.

[NurseCollie]

My safe place is my room and my mind. I truly believe that I am missing out on things in my life because I'm too afraid of leaving these safe places. I'm 27 and still live at home, have no kids, friends, relationships, or life outside work. So yes, safe places can be bad if you hide in them too much.

[leomama]

I have no safe space, I always have stuff to do.

[Unrigged64072835]

My bedroom was my safe place for a while. I gradually moved out towards the rest of the house. I still have problems being outside without my husband, but I've worked on certain areas, like my hairdresser's salon. It takes practice, patience, and self-compassion.

[Trace14]

Originally Posted by HD7970GHZ

Hello all,

My safe place is my "little space," where I have teddy bears, blankies and diapers. I regress to feel safe from the dark and scary world. It has been a safe place and a refuge filled with comfort and nurture.

I spoke to someone on a distress line and told her about how I always want to stay in my "safe place." She said this was common in PTSD and that sometimes our "safe place," can become a problem. Problem being that we can spend too much time there and thus, we don't go outside our comfort zone and live... I am definitely guilty of spending too much time in my safe place and I know this because part of me wants to leave it. It is as though there are two opposing forces within me, one that says to stay in little space while the other says to leave and grow up. I will eventually force myself to get up and go out for a walk, but as soon as I leave I will want so badly to retreat to my safe place. Triggers are everywhere... My little space is my go to and whenever I am out and about I just want to go back to my apartment and snuggle with my teddies in little space...

Does anyone relate to this? Any advice with how to limit? Can our safe place be a barrier for going out into the world?

Thanks,
HD7970ghz

Oh yes, I can relate. My T has also said the longer I stay in my safe place that it will make it harder to get out. My safe place is my bed. Retreating is easy, I think the key is going somewhere you know that the chance of being triggered or hurt physically hurt is very low. Have a destination and don't just wander around. Once you get to the destination sit there a while and ground. Be aware of your surroundings by using your senses. Tell yourself you are safe here and maybe try some where close the next time.

[Teddy Bear]

My safe place is my bed but I find it more fun to go out with people.

[88Butterfly88]

I can relate. I don't have any advice but just wanted you to know you are not alone.