A person who suffers from PTSD will sometimes find comfort and peace in the smallest things that can increase their sense of safety. This could be the re-keying of an old lock on the front door, installing a new home alarm, or asking the neighbors to keep an eye on their home while they are away. These can all be of tremendous help to someone battling PTSD. Hypervigilance can and will take over the life of a PTSD sufferer. And from there to developing OCD or paranoia there is only one small step. If you are currently dealing with PTSD and you feel like you could use every small help you can get, these next few home safety tips should help out.
Small Changes That Bring More Safety
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To a person who does not suffer from PTSD and who does not constantly feel under threat, something as insignificant as the color of a shower curtain might not mean much. But for PTSD sufferers, a dark-colored or matte shower curtain that prevents them from keeping an eye on their bathroom surroundings can be a powerful trigger for an anxiety episode.
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The unknown factor that a curtain that does not allow one to observe what is going on around them can trigger flashbacks.
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The fear could be caused by the feeling of being entrapped in the small shower space, or the loud noise caused by the water running. Installing a clear shower curtain will make a huge difference in reinstating more peace of mind while showering. And it could even help you realize when an intruder might have sneaked into your home.
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Ever thought about having locks fitted on your windows? One of the most common manifestations of PTSD is the urge to constantly check locks on doors. PTSD makes a person feel unsafe all time. First make sure all of your door locks are in top shape. Call a residential locksmith in your area and have them sort this out. Re-key any broken or lose locks, or install new ones if the current ones are not at least grade-2 commercial grade locks. The most recommended options in terms of front door locks are commercial grade-1 double cylinder deadbolt locks. They are excellent deterrents against potential burglars as they are extremely difficult to break into, kick open, or pick with basic tools.
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Install locks on the windows as well, or have them fixed if they are harder to operate. Remember to have these locked serviced and maintained at the same time with your door locks.
The Difference A Home Alarm Can Make
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Simple or advanced, wired or wireless, tied to surveillance cameras, the local police, or a professional security company, home alarms come in many different shapes and sizes. Depending on your budget, you could buy more expensive home alarm systems, or opt for simpler, more affordable models.
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It is important to buy install a home alarm if your hyper-vigilance is making it particularly hard for you to sleep at night. You can opt for a system that allows you to set the alarm from the comfort of your own bed. A professional locksmith that specializes in residential service should be able to advise you on the best options for you.