shoplifting

Hi, I'm new to this forum.
I'm a shoplifter.

I shoplifted a sport pants in my hometown around 2005.
I shoplifted bras around 2005.
I shoplifted a cupcake in Perhentian Island in Indonesia in 2002.
Nobody knows that I'm a shoplifter...
I'm suffering...

Hi, gato! Do you still do it? Do you struggle with the urge?

Hi jasmin,
I stopped shoplifting several years ago.
I'm trying to remember when I did it the last time.
I think the last thing I stole was two bras at Peach John.
I think it was around 2005.
I have not done that for 6 years.

When I shoplifted in 2002 in Indonesia, the guard caught me.
That was very scary. I shoplifted a couple of beers.
I don't remember why I wanted to shoplift it.
Probably because I was alcoholic and I wanted have a beer.

I still have un urge to shoplift, especially because when I felt very stressed out.
Recovering is very stressing to me.
I feel very stressed now.

It's pretty impressive that you stopped and haven't done it for 6 years! Good for you It sounds like you're doing a good job fighting those urges.

Jasmin,

I yesterday spoke with a supporter in Overeaters Anonymous.
She said to me that the urge to binge will pass eventually.
I think the rule applies to shoplifting, too.
The urge to shoplift will eventually pass.
I believe so.

Now I want to find a reason why I shoplifted.
I am not a person who want to shoplift.
There must be a clear reason why I shoplifted

Yes both urges will pass. Maybe you did it to fulfill and emotional need, to replace something you didn't get?

jasmin wrote:Yes both urges will pass. Maybe you did it to fulfill and emotional need, to replace something you didn't get?

Jasmin,

Yes, the both urges will pass someday.
I think I shoplifted for several reasons.
One is as you mention to fulfill emotional need. 6 years ago, I was suffering. I did not know what's going on my mind after I was raped. I was sick mentally, but I didn't recognize it.
Another is simply because I did not have money. As a young woman, you need money to go out, wear nicely, buy grocery and enjoy your life, but I didn't have money because I did not have a job.

It's important for me to concentrate on my medical treatment for PTSD and get better to enjoy my life. Sometimes, I get very tired of treatment, because it's 24 hours job: taking medication, meditating, phoning crisis line, journaling, going to different hospital appointments, doing research about my symptoms. I need to take a break.

I took a break today. I went to Nofrills (cheap supermarket) and bought app. 13 dollars food and ate them (not all, but a lot). It was a small snack party for myself. I ate veges and cheese. I am happy now. Even though I'm depressed everyday, sometimes I need to make myself happy. I also ate a cake at a nice European cafe. It was Honey Crisp (1.5 dollars).

Yummmmmmmmmm that sounds nice!!! Yes, definitely treat yourself from time to time lol

You have it under control now, which means you have control over your emotions and the trauma too and that is great. I hope you'll start therapy soon.

Sorry I replied late to this.

jasmin wrote:Yummmmmmmmmm that sounds nice!!! Yes, definitely treat yourself from time to time lol

You have it under control now, which means you have control over your emotions and the trauma too and that is great. I hope you'll start therapy soon.

Sorry I replied late to this.

I am new to Vancouver.
I have not made friends here yet.
Coming to this website and reading your replay is a great encouragement for me.
Do not be sorry for a late reply.
I know you reply to many people as a volunteer administrator.
There must be tremendous postings on this website every day.
I know you cannot reply to everyone at the same time.

Yes, it's great to have control over my traumas and emotions.
It's important for me to accept that I have traumas and I have pains.
You know, I need a huge courage to accept this fact.
I still don't want to admit that I used to be a victim and I still have mental disability.
But, accepting is the first step for healing, isn't it.
I will keep momentum in my recovery.

Hey! Yea, acceptance is the first step of healing, I agree. You could make friends here for a start