Hello everyone! Since about 2015 I have been paranoid about being alone at home and especially in the dark. I would always need a night light.

In 2020 I had psychosis and was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder. Ever since that, I have severe trouble staying somewhere alone for more than say 6 hours, especially over night. I'm living back at home again and am getting help. Medication helps a lot with the paranoia, as well as my family.

I usually go to bed before my family, so that I can hear them be active while I drift off, and have my room door opened a bit so that light from the living room gets in. That works wonderfully.

BUT. Due to health, my family goes to bed earlier now, leaving me alone in my room and in the dark. I cannot use a nightlight anymore because it reminds me so much of my psychosis.

I am trying to cope and relax in the dark, I am on my phone a bit which helps a lot to distract me. But I still fall asleep while tensed up, under pressure and in anxiety.

Do you guys have any good ways of coping? Would love to hear some tips