Two years ago, I was involved in a bank robbery. The robber jumped the counter three minutes after the branch opened and surprised all the tellers. I had $14K in my hands, banding it and preparing it for shipment. I was in the drive through area and assumed I was out of sight.
One of the girls mouthed "oh my God" and I turned around. The next thing I knew he threw me to the floor, money scattered everywhere and there was a gun against my head as he screamed for my co-worker to pick up the cash and clean out my vault.
It lasted barely 3-4 minutes, but it seemed a lifetime. He jumped back over the counter and ran out. We were all rattled and scared but ok.
I moved out of state, and received notification a few months ago that he'd been caught and was going on trial. Then I was subpoenaed. Thankfully the robber took a plea deal and I didn't have to return and testify.
But ever since I received the paperwork with his name on it, I've found myself reacting badly when startled. I've always been easily startled, but I'd usually laugh it off.
Lately if someone drops something heavy, starts shouting, slaps something down on a counter, or bangs on the door I'm ready to hit the deck. My hands are shaking right now because a man I didn't know came to the door with sunglasses on, rang the bell and wanted me to open the door. I asked who he was, but I couldn't understand what he said and ignored him.
Prior to this incident, I was looking forward to going out...I was going to the mall to look for a few things now that we're in Daylight Savings Time. But now I'm envisioning all the stuff that could happen to me if I go out tonight.
I've NEVER been like this in my life until that robbery. I've traveled all over the world, been adventurous, willing to try new things, meet new people. But lately I've been feeling more anxious, more reclusive and now like a prisoner in my own home. My blinds are drawn, the porch door is shut and locked. It's a nice evening and here I sit pouring out my anxiety.
I feel foolish for complaining about this, when so many members here have been through for worse. And it's been two years. I'm not afraid to die. But for some reason my inner self is a pretty scared about something and I need to get a grip on it. Can someone with a similar experience give me some pointers?
Thanks so much,
Shelly
One of the girls mouthed "oh my God" and I turned around. The next thing I knew he threw me to the floor, money scattered everywhere and there was a gun against my head as he screamed for my co-worker to pick up the cash and clean out my vault.
It lasted barely 3-4 minutes, but it seemed a lifetime. He jumped back over the counter and ran out. We were all rattled and scared but ok.
I moved out of state, and received notification a few months ago that he'd been caught and was going on trial. Then I was subpoenaed. Thankfully the robber took a plea deal and I didn't have to return and testify.
But ever since I received the paperwork with his name on it, I've found myself reacting badly when startled. I've always been easily startled, but I'd usually laugh it off.
Lately if someone drops something heavy, starts shouting, slaps something down on a counter, or bangs on the door I'm ready to hit the deck. My hands are shaking right now because a man I didn't know came to the door with sunglasses on, rang the bell and wanted me to open the door. I asked who he was, but I couldn't understand what he said and ignored him.
Prior to this incident, I was looking forward to going out...I was going to the mall to look for a few things now that we're in Daylight Savings Time. But now I'm envisioning all the stuff that could happen to me if I go out tonight.
I've NEVER been like this in my life until that robbery. I've traveled all over the world, been adventurous, willing to try new things, meet new people. But lately I've been feeling more anxious, more reclusive and now like a prisoner in my own home. My blinds are drawn, the porch door is shut and locked. It's a nice evening and here I sit pouring out my anxiety.
I feel foolish for complaining about this, when so many members here have been through for worse. And it's been two years. I'm not afraid to die. But for some reason my inner self is a pretty scared about something and I need to get a grip on it. Can someone with a similar experience give me some pointers?
Thanks so much,
Shelly