If Home Feels Unsafe

March 19, 2020

If home feels unsafe, please reach out to me, to a domestic violence organization, to another mental health professional or to a hotline for help (see below).  Everyone deserves a safe place to live.

·       If you’re confused or unsure about how you’re feeling, ask yourself the following questions:

·       Do I feel supported by anyone at home?

·       Do people at home treat me with respect?

·       Can I talk with anyone at home honestly and confidentially about my concerns?

·       Can I talk with friends or family outside of home honestly and confidentially about my concerns?

·       Am I worried about the safety of others at home?

·       Who, what or why am I feeling unsafe?  Is one person the problem, or is it the environment as a whole?

·       Am I at risk of being physically harmed?

·       Do I feel scared because of someone else’s behavior?

·       Is there a firearm at home, and who has access to it?

·       Is anyone at home limiting my freedom or my ability to make my own decisions?

·       What are my options?  Is there somewhere else I can stay temporarily or permanently?  Would leaving home put me or others at risk?

·       What is my support network?  Are there any family or friends I can trust?

If you feel unsafe at home, have become isolated from friends and family, and lack a strong support network, know that this can be a common experience.  But you’re not alone.  I am here for you, and I can help.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

This blog post originally appeared on the Carthage College website. It has been republished with permission.