'Cruel trolls call me weird for unwinding in a dog cage - but it soothes me'
A woman who finds comfort by "unwinding" in a dog cage says she's been targeted by cruel tolls.
Lia Parker adopted the unusual habit as a result of a traumatic childhood.
She explained how she was raised in a "disruptive" household, where she used to seek comfort in small places, such as inside her wardrobe.
Now, as an adult, she's continued with the "self-soothing" method whenever she craves a "safe space", with her retreat of choice being a dog cage.
The content creator, 21, says the restricted sleeping arrangement is more soothing than her queen-sized bed, and has helped with her mental health.
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Lia's dog cage is her 'safe space' (Jam Press Vid/@angelfairer)
She has decorated the area with blankets, toys and stickers (Jam Press Vid/@angelfairer)But not everyone online has been kind.
"I knew most people wouldn't understand or think it was weird," Lia, from America, said.
"While it's sometimes frustrating, it doesn't really matter if it can help people struggling.
"I'm sure if it was a cardboard box or blanket fort, then no one would care.
"People like to hate and judge what they don't understand and people on the internet are quick to make assumptions."
Even more upsetting for Lia is the fact that some trolls have tried to put a sexual spin on her cage retreat.
"When people say the cage must be sexual it makes me uncomfortable," she continued.
"This is not because I can't understand why they think that or why someone else would want that, but because I go so out of my way to put disclaimers and reference my trauma.
"It feels like they're intentionally fetishising something that I've made clear is tied to trauma.
Lia faced backlash after sharing her dog cage online (Jam Press/@angelfairer)"Of course, it isn't my job to prove myself to these people.
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"The people who get it, get it and people reach out to me all the time telling me that they've done something similar.
"That makes me really happy."
Growing up, Lia would stuff blankets and pillows inside her wardrobe in a bid to emulate a "warm hug."
She has carried the cage with her since she was 18 and came up with the idea after brainstorming on how to recreate a space like her wardrobe.
As the dog cage had the same dimensions, it was a perfect fit.
She has even decorated the cage with soft toys, pink blankets and stickers galore.
She wants people to be kinder to those struggling with their mental health (Jam Press Vid/@angelfairer)She said: "I do use it daily and it's also nice to hang out in sometimes.
"For me, it feels like a hug and like a hideaway, somewhere separate from whatever is triggering me or making me upset.
"It helps me regulate emotionally and symptomatically.
"I've spoken to multiple therapists and a psychiatrist, who all loved and supported the idea."
Lia hopes to share her story and coping methods with others, in a bid to help erase the stigma around mental health issues.
She frequently posts videos showing off her safe space to her 112,000 followers on TikTok (@angelfairer).
In one clip, which has racked up 864,000 views, she shares a tour of her crate and details on why she uses it.
While she received lots of support, there were trolls who claimed it was for "sexual" purposes – but she replied with simply deleting and blocking the hate.
But many threw their support behind her.
"This actually looks pretty comfy though," said one user.
Another person said: "Whatever works for you love."
"Can't relate, I'm claustrophobic," said another person.
Someone else wrote, "Sighs, goes to the pet store."
"I need it," said someone else.
Lia continued: "I've always been pretty open on social media.
"I've shared a lot about how I feel it's important to de-stigmatise PTSD and the long-lasting effects of trauma.
"I feel like a lot of people are ashamed of what brings them comfort, but I figured if the crate could help me, then it could also help others.
"I love my safe space, I love that it’s in its own room and so it feels totally disconnected from the rest of my life and anything I associate with triggers or stressors.
"It's a sacred space for me that’s innocent and apart from everything else."
The Samaritans is available 24/7 if you need to talk. You can contact their UK team for free by calling 116 123, email [email protected] or head to the website to find your nearest branch. To contact their USA team, call 1 (800) 273-TALK. You matter.
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