How to quickly gain control?
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How to quickly gain control?
| Sat, 10-22-2005 - 10:21pm |
Hi! I'm not sure if this is really the right board for the type of question I have which has to do with calming yourself quickly and gaining control of yourself (not necessarily anxiety). Please, let me explain. I was home alone at night (dark outside, half past 8pm). The door bell rings, I was in the kitchen (close to front door). I immediately froze and my heart beat quickened. I felt paralyzed so to speak. I somehow managed to go to the back of the house after what seemed like awhile to get myself moving from the frozen state. I did not turn on the back room light. I looked out the window. I could not see anyone due to a bush blocking my view. The person then knocked on the door. By this time I could literally feel my insides drop and I became more scared, nervous, not knowing even how to walk one step to the phone in the room I was in. I did though. Thinking to call the police. The person then persisted and pounded loudly on the door several times. I could not see the numbers on the phone but like I said I was completely shooken up. I just looked out the window and just so paralyzed I guess is the right word to say. Yes, I thought of calling the police but figured by the time they arrived that the person would be gone then I'd have to deal with the police (I've never had to call 911 in my life). The person then left and ran to the house across the street and then back to the house next door to me then he ran the other way down the street. It took me over half an hour to calm down from this afterwards. Each time I think of it I get pretty much the same feeling. I spoke with the neighbor the following day and they did report it to the police the next day. So anyway, how in a situation like this do you actually gain control of yourself? (I know breathe but I could not really... was in like a really fast type of breathing at the time). Afterwards I thought of what I should have done differently and now I blame myself for not calling the police at all. I mean what if this guy broke in my house and hurt me!! Thank you for reading and for any tips in advance.
Edited 10/22/2005 10:24 pm ET by jane09
Edited 10/22/2005 10:24 pm ET by jane09

Hi, Jane! Welcome to our board. I think that you have described fear very accurately. We all have fears & have to face them from time to time. What you felt was a natural response. Through the ages,
How scary for you! We used to live in a downtown historic district, and although I loved the house more than anything, alot of undesireables would walk the streets late at night. Sometimes they would knock on our door, in error I'm sure. They were probably looking for the drug dealer next store. But each time I would feel exactly like you did. Although I never called 911, I would advise you to. What I did was call the neighbor across the street & have him look out the window. A few times he yelled across the street for people to stop bothering us. Once I had him stay on the phone while I opened the door for an elderly woman, she ended up being lost and needed directions - she was on the historical walking tour that they hand out at the tourist info center, lol. Nevertheless, I was very scared each time. Having the plan to call my neighbor helped me to feel safe. Of course I couldn't woken my husband up, lol, but he would of opened the door screaming mad and looking for a fight as these people often showed up after bars closed and John hates to be woken up! Another idea might to be to call the local police department and inquire about starting a neighborhood watch. They will come to one home & give you alot of tips on things to do in a situation such as this and even posted neighborhood watch signs in front of our home. We also put up a no tresspassing sign at one point, although I doubt it did any good.
Sheri Ann
Sheri Ann