I Stole Something

[Tugen]

I have been very mentally unwell and just off my trolley in general. I have been in a really bad place.

On Friday I stole something from a place I go.

I will take it back but I feel unending shame.

Am I going mad. What is wrong with me?

 

[Ciziju]

You did something wrong, you're admitting it, and now willing to return it for doing wrong. You aren't mad, just not mentally healthy at this point in your life. Things will get better with time and hard self-work.

 

[Gasocu]

I suggest you put things right (which it sounds like you're going to do, by taking it back) then forgive yourself.

Lots of us act out in various ways when under pressure with mental health problems. That might be doing something that's usually against our principles, and not who we want to be. It's a kind of release, I think. Something has to give, so we let part of our control snap and do something out of character.

If you do it more than once, or keep wanting to do it, then I'd seek help for it. Not to blame yourself or see yourself as mad, but to get support to work through what's going on.

If it's only once, I'd do something for closure so you can let go of the shame. Maybe write yourself a letter, light a candle, make a small donation to an appropriate charity (only if you can afford it), or take a stone and bury it - any kind of little ritual to say you recognise that under pressure you did something you regret, you put it right, and now you forgive yourself.

I'm sorry you've been having such a difficult time.

 

[Oloki]

Make amends. Fix the situation. Be kind to yourself.

 

[Gujipu]

Aw, shucks. Everybody steals something sometimes. Sometimes intentionally and sometimes unintentionally. You have unending shame about it? Naw, that's your conscience talking. It's a good thing. Just take the item back.

 

[Lowi]

Uhm what if they decide to press charges? Can you anonymously drop it on their doorstep after dark?

 

[Winot]

Well, that would be one way to return the item, wouldn't it? Why couldn't that be a possible way to return it?

 

[Usan]

I think its important to make it right and then I would suggest you discuss this with your therapist to find out what was happening for you so that you can avoid it happening again. Good luck.

 

[Secusu]

I did discuss it with my therapist. I haven't done anything like this before. I will take it back and put it where it belongs.

 

[Petog]

Good for you. I think that takes courage.

 

[Uwu]

I returned it without being noticed but mentioned I had taken it home to work for a client. It was no big deal. I am so relieved to have returned it.

 

[Wokoni]

I'm glad, Uwu.

I imagine this has been really difficult for you. I think you're handling it really well.