Coping tips for being alone?

black_23 · Post by **black_23** » Sun Jul 16, 2006 9:54 pm

Hi sorry to ask, has anyone got any ideas/tips for surviving a night in a new place alone when your scared and nearly havong panic attacks about it already? Im going to be miles away and do everything on my own and Im really scared, im scared I'll panic and want to cut (the thoughts ther in my head almost as my safety net already) and I cant afford to do that there, its a work thing. Any ideas anyone please?
thanx

Post by **Spidey** » Sun Jul 16, 2006 10:27 pm

what has always helped me when i am alone in an unfamiliar place is to find ways to keep myself busy.

some busy suggestions:

- walk around the place you're staying at (if it is safe to do so)
- got a book you've been wanting to read but haven't had the time for? bring that
- listen to music on your headset if you've got one
- plan an activity or something fun to do if you can. if you know where you're going check out a place that you think looks interesting beforehand, so during off-time you can scope it out

some other suggestions:

- if you have a mobile, bring it with you. i always feel safer with mine on me because if i panic or something bad happens i'm a phone call away from people who know me
- look forward to the time you can leave. i know that sounds sucky, but it does calm the anxiety a bit to know that in x amount of hours you'll be on your way home / at home.
- while you are away, and probably the night before you leave, DO NOT drink alcohol / caffeine or eat anything that could stimulate you, as it might cause your anxiety to spike.

Wandering · Post by **Wandering** » Sun Jul 16, 2006 10:41 pm

Maybe take something comforting with you from home?

Take care, Andi

Seeshellz · Post by **Seeshellz** » Sun Jul 16, 2006 11:07 pm

How about a relaxing bubble bath? Deep breathing exercises? Soothing music? Candles? Stretching exercises? Call someone you know once you get there? Bring pictures of friends and family? Good book to distract? Journal your feelings?

Just a few, hope something helps!

Seeshellz · Post by **Seeshellz** » Sun Jul 16, 2006 11:10 pm

Bring a Teddy?

Anactoria · Post by **Anactoria** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 12:32 am

Ohh, I was about to suggest a teddy bear/other stuffed animal. It's reassuring to hug them. ^^

syn · Post by **syn** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 5:13 am

Music is helpful, I also like the radio and TV, it makes me feel like someone is there, especially talk radio like NPR. Radios are also cheap.

The internet is also helpful.

plantt · Post by **plantt** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 3:44 pm

--plan out how to decorate....
--make it a positive thing... new place... new start... notice the cool things around the neighborhood or about the new place...
--make one place a comfortable lil nest. pile up blankets or a comfy chair... make it just right for reading or listening to music or snuggling with a stuffed animal
--remember that wanting to cut is very different from actually cutting. this is somewhere to start fresh. to practice & learn & experience coping w/o si.... scary as that might be

black_23 · Post by **black_23** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 8:24 pm

Oh thanks everyone I'm going to write these down, I might even put lots of these things in a box so i know its all there in one place.

Thank-you so much, just thinking about it is making me all panicy and its only gona be for one night and 2 days, so daft.

Coping tips for being alone?

Coping tips for being alone?

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