Sleeping alone while my partner is away for business trips used to be my greatest fear.

I used to get so anxious, terrified as the nights draw nearer and very distressing and restless towards bedtime. I used to repeatedly check on the doors and windows throughout the night (every an hour or so), also lighting up the entire house were common to me. Sometimes, I fell asleep due to exhaustion but only find myself awaken by nightmares, followed by flashbacks, then losing myself again until sunrise. It never failed to repeat itself when the sun starting to set the following day. All this resulted to a panic me whenever hubby has to leave me alone again. I became depressed days or even weeks prior to his trips. I just got worst and worst towards the approaching days.

I am doing fairly well for the past 3 months, as I am able to adapt and feeling secure while hubby away for his recent business trips. I find myself improving as I do not have nightmares like I used to anymore for his past 3 trips. My anxiety has also dropped tremendously reacting to news of his coming trips. Also I do not stress myself up prior to it anymore.

How do I overcome them? I duplicate my approach and keep improving on them. I keep doing things that keep me positive and calm while removing activities that will only worsen my situation while alone.

1. Prior to his trips, I keep repeating to myself that nothing bad had happen and I survive sleeping alone, so it will be as safe this time round.
2. I try to be away from home, at least for the evening. I meet up friends for dinner or just spend my time out, to avoid myself indulging in negative thoughts that definitely threaten my own confident and secure system.
3. I keep a relaxing and calm atmosphere towards bedtime. I keep myself the same way too.
4. I still check the windows and doors but only once before bedtime.
5. I do not light up the entire house anymore, leaving only a dim light in the hallway and I am able to sleep in a dark bedroom.
6. I prefer having some soothing music of my likings playing while I sleep. It is good at masking background noises that may make me jumpy.
7. I praise myself the next morning for every little success. I re-emphasis to myself after every success, that my current home and neighbourhood is safe, that I have been able to sleep soundly and safely the night before. Trying to enhance my belief and to raise my confident and secure level after each successful attempt.