I am considering a service dog for many reasons. I dissociate quite often. It poses a danger, because I have at times stepped out into the street and nearly been hit by a car! The reason I think a dog would help me sleep is because when I cannot sleep, it is because I am so distressed that I have lo...

Mo, I like the idea of a day-time sad-walk. Thanks for the tip. I may try it on a weekend, since that is when I am extra loathe to get out of bed and exercise. :-) Yes, Heather I mean the pot holders made with cotton loops. It is great since you can take the loom nearly anywhere. It seems to help me...

I will think about that. I am strongly considering a service dog, as I have a couple diagnosed mental disorders that cause disabilities. Do you know anyone who has had success with a service dog?

I have not. My sleep disturbances are infrequent. They are usually abated by talking with my therapist about what is bothering me.

I recently started weaving pot holders. The activity reminded me that my favorite project in art class was a tiny rug I made on a junky cardboard loom. I have ordered a wooden loom and am going to try it. I am so excited for it to come!

No, I do not take any sleep meds. I am on an antidepressant. It helps a lot; before I started it a couple years ago, I couldn't sleep at all. My counselor is certified in EMDR and has had quite advanced experience with it. It helps a lot. But when memories come up really fast and all at once, it is ...

Thanks! Hopefully it helps others.

There are times when life after abuse is filled with terror, even long after the source of terror is gone. Nights are often the worst. How do you comfort yourself on those nights? Here are the things I find comforting: • Stuffed animals (even in your twenties, you aren't too old for someone to hold ...

Yes, I do have a trained therapist who specializes in trauma. We are working on the sleep issue, among other things. But having suggestions from others is helpful as well. Thanks for the link.

I am a newbie, thus I am posting here instead of in the correct forum.
I am wondering what others do on the difficult nights when it is impossible to sleep. I just survived an all-nighter, so any suggestions would be appreciated.

Heather, I look up to myself. I also find strength in the story of Lauren Book (It's OK to Tell, by Lauren Book). I am a survivor. My healing often amazes me and my therapist. I do not have anyone else in my life to look to. I do not know anyone who has made it, only people who are trying to make it...

The number one lesson I have learned about how to keep myself safe is to trust my gut feelings. Sometimes I have a gut feeling that someone is dangerous. I never regret paying attention to it. It is better to be safe than to be abused. An important thing to note is that our gut feelings are often li...

I find books by Pam Muñoz Ryan very comforting. Check out her book called "Riding Freedom" It inspired me and gave me hope during a difficult week. This author's books are all filled with hope and they always make my week better. Also a favorite is Eight Keys, by Suzanne La Fleur. Her othe...