I'm a professional woman w/ a good job. I began shoplifting a few years ago & it's getting out of control. I have the money with me to buy the item, but I don't. I find myself being careless & shoplifting more and more items - taking ridiculous risks. They are not items I need, sometimes I even forget what I have taken until I find it in my purse or pocket a few days later. It's so bad that if I'm alone in a room I actually look for something to take- it seems I hate to leave empty handed. I take a variety of things - from cheap to expensive. Of course I do not want to get caught, it would damage my career, not to mention the embarassment - I'm a mother and a grandmother also. I cannot seem to help myself, the impulse to take something is irresistable. Please, please help me. I want to quit this terrible habit but I can't seem to muster up the willpower.
2007-02-13 17:38:13 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
You klepto...its people like you with money that ruin it for the rest of us with no money. Stop it! You have the many buy it, and leave the stealing to us.
2007-02-13 17:47:07 · answer #1 · answered by Mr. Sir 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
My first urgent recommendation is that you seek the help of a psychologist. You have kleptomania. You aren't the first affluent person to suffer from it (look up Wynona Ryder...). I really do feel bad for you. From what I've heard, it's related to a need to take a physical piece of every experience in life with you. Try restricting your urges to taking napkins, a square of toilet paper, pulling the price tag off of an item in a store, or even stealing a pencil at one of those comment boxes at the mall. By substituting an item that won't cost anyone much to replace, you can redirect your energy from taking things of value (ie, people's silverware from dinner parties, or shoplifting) and maybe even develop an unusuall little scrapbook. Good luck, and remember that you have already begun your recovery just by asking for help.
2007-02-14 02:09:09 · answer #2 · answered by Angela M 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What you describe has become obsessive compulsive behavior for yourself. Talk to doctor and have him direct you to a professional that deals in psychiatric disorders. Many forms of helpful therapies and drugs are available to assist you.
Good-luck.
2007-02-14 02:07:18 · answer #3 · answered by tock522 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Under what circumstances you are more likely to steal? Do not go to the stores that you are most likely to steal from, and do not shop alone. I hope this will help.
2007-02-14 01:55:39 · answer #4 · answered by Wind203 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get som professional help this is not a small problem nd u probably wont b able to stop it on yr own if u realy want to stop it nd care about yourself nd your family u wil get help
2007-02-14 02:22:57 · answer #5 · answered by joeyjo123 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Steal the willpower, you can have it if u see sincerily.
2007-02-14 01:51:44 · answer #6 · answered by Perceptionzzz 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is klepto annonymous - no kidding - and good shrinks, pick one
2007-02-14 01:48:01 · answer #7 · answered by freshbliss 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I advise you to pray about it and to ask God to help keep you from this temptation in Jesus' name. If you're not a Christian well... good luck or find one and ask him/her to pray for you and maybe you'll become a Christian yourself.
2007-02-14 01:55:44 · answer #8 · answered by Talky 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋