My anxiety has gone through the roof since I woke up to burglars in my bedroom

DEAR DEIDRE: EVER since I was woken up in the middle of the night by burglars in my bedroom, my anxiety has gone through the roof.

I’m constantly on edge, and I spend every waking moment worrying about my safety. It’s taking over my life, and I don’t know what to do.

I’m a 35-year-old man, and it’s been three months since my wife and I were robbed. 

Waking up to strangers staring at us in ski masks was terrifying, and it’s safe to say it’s traumatised me. 

While it was clear they didn’t think anyone was home and ran off instantly, ever since I’ve been petrified of them coming back and harming us.

From installing security cameras and alarms all over the house to keeping the bedroom light on all night, I’m constantly obsessing over our safety. 

I’ve become a nervous wreck, and I can’t remember the last time I had a full night’s sleep. 

How do I move past this?

Deidre says: Our homes are supposed to be safe havens, so it’s understandable how distressing this experience has been for you.

I can only imagine how utterly terrifying this must have been for you.

While it will take time for you to be able to move past this and get back to sleeping properly again, if your anxiety and paranoia are consuming you, you need to seek some support.

You can access a range of tools to help you cope and move forward after crime on Victim Support (www.mysupportspace.org.uk/moj).

I’m also sending you my support pack, Living With Anxiety, to help.