she is afraid of people breaking in. she sleeps with the bedroom door locked. and the closet door shut (after looking in it for strangers) and pulling open another door open so the attic cannot open downward. so, i start out with opening the clloset door more each night...not letting her check it, not let her check the front door and the bedroom door, and gradually keep the doors unocked and even open (exept the front entrance!) BUT SHE WONT DO THIS!
It sounds like she's been shell-shocked...because of her experience...What is the cure for soldiers who come through the war shell shocked? I would like to know how they are treated, and if they are ever the same? We all know there are some people who sleep with a gun under their pillows, but is that the way to go? The plan idea sounds interesting, "what to do if"; but can lightening strike three times? I guess it can...but anyway...
Because she doesn't trust herself to deal and cope with the worse case scenario. Work out a plan with her. Play out the absolute worse thing that could happen, and plan what would be the best thing to do, if it ever happened again. Apparently the best thing to do in a situation like that is to turn the lights on and stomp about the house swearing and cursing at the intruder. Don't know if you'd both be comfortable doing that though.
Hope this helps.
My wife had people break into 2 different houses on 2 seperate occasions when she was younger. now, she has trouble sleeping at night and checks the locks many times when i'm sleeping. we've been married for 2 1/2 years and i just found out 2 mnths ago. So, i asked her what she does on the rare occasion when she goes to sleep and doesn;t panic. she says she thinks 'why aren't i panicking?' and then panics worse than ever! WHY?
