I Was Mugged By 3 Guys And Now I'm Scared To Leave My House.

[used2Bcarefree]

I work at a pub, and Saturday night I got off work around 4am. My house is only 2 blocks away and it's not a bad zone to live in at all- lots of students and movement. But I was only 20 feet from my door when 3 guys came running up behind me and told me to give them all my money or they would kill me. I honestly didn't even think, I just told them that I didn't have any money on me and (this part is fuzzy) I started to scream and run. They got scared as well because they threw a broken beer bottle at me, which hit my head, and ran in the opposite direction. I fell from the impact, but got up and kept running, and before I went into my house, I looked at the street and nobody was there. No they may or may not know where I live, but they definitely know I live near there because what else would I be doing at 4am, right? So I had to call an ambulance and go to the hospital to get 5 stitches in the back of my head. For the first 2 nights I stayed at my boyfriend's house, but now I am back at my apartment, and I'm scared to leave to even go to the store on the corner. What if these jerks live nearby and are waiting for me because they are pissed that they didn't get my money? What if they do something worse to me? I won't walk at night alone, that's for sure....but I DO need to be able to feel comfortable with going outside or to the store. I'm jumpy, anxious and I'm having nightmares. If anyone has any ideas as to what I can do to feel safer, I'm open to it! The thing about my apartment is that the rent is VERY cheap and is exactly what I can afford right now- I wouldn't really want to move- plus my place is 2 streets behind the main street where the university is- most of the other apartments are further back and on darker streets. Should I just give it time, or what can I do? My boyfriend has been mugged before at gunpoint, but he doesn't seem to have been affected by it much- he isn't scared and can't really relate to my fear.

 

[a3a2]

Maybe your boyfriend can't relate, but a lot of us here can relate. Your fear is perfectly understandable.

Good job running and screaming!!!!! You protected yourself!!!!!

Have you talked to the police? Get and practice using pepper spray. Would any of your co-workers walk you home? Any chance you can get a dog?

It is important that you talk and talk and talk about this. If this was recent, you probably don't have PTSD, but it is important that you talk about it or you may end up with it.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

I agree with a3a2. Important that you talk to someone about it. Even just a hotline?

 

[cherryblossom]

Report the incident to the police and to the university. Sometimes it takes several reports of similar instances for the police to gather enough information to take action. Also the University will be able to warn other students in the area to be especially vigilant. Find out if you can get any support or information from either of them. Guidance on how to feel safe, maybe a self defence course or carrying a panic alarm will help.

Your reaction to this event sounds entirely normal, to me. But as others have said, talk about it now so that you don't develop PTSD, and so you don't carry this fear with you for life.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[used2Bcarefree]

Thanks everyone- that's really a relief to hear. A couple things: I live in Mexico so the police aren't much help. They sympathize and listen, but don't really d anything about it. And I'm not currently a student at the university, but I think I will go and talk to the President of the Uni.- I know him personally and maybe I can help create an awareness campaign to prevent this from happening to other students. I immediately changed my schedule. I just started to work as an English teacher for elementary kids, but I have to walk or ride a bike 6 blocks to get there- and I'm still really scared to even step out of my front door. Yesterday, my boyfriend dropped me off at my house and as I was about to open the door, I was a guy in the side-view mirror walking down the sidewalk and I immediately closed the door- I freaked out. I mean it ended up being like a 15 year old carrying a coke, but I started to cry uncontrollably. I never used to be scared, plus I'm from a really small town in the US. I'm used to tranquility and feeling safe, although I have always been fine walking around in big cities: Mexico city and New York. Where I live now is relatively small, and I always felt safe, but not anymore. I MAY go back to working at the pub as a side job only on Saturday nights because that's when I would earn the most, plus I really enjoy the people, the energy and my co-workers. We always have so much fun and I meet interesting people. I would obviously have someone drive me the 2 blocks to my apartment or walk me home- but how can I get over the fear of leaving my house during daylight? I don't mind not wanting to go out alone at night- especially since I have to wake up at 7am, I'm going to bed a lot earlier....but how about during the day? Any ideas? I definitely will get some pepper spray and learn how to use it, and once my head wound is better, I'm going to start boxing or some kind of martial art. I feel proud that those jerks didn't get anything from me, but that's not the point. I just want to feel safe again. Thank you all for your support!! I appreciate it so much!

 

[used2Bcarefree]

it's kinda gross, but this is the physical damage.....

 

[cherryblossom]

I don't know anything about the Police in Mexico, but if you haven't yet done so, I would still encourage you to place a report with the police, unless you feel it would put you in danger, or cause you too much emotional turmoil. Maybe they won't do anything, but maybe they will. Unless you try, you'll never know. Like I said, sometimes it takes several similar reports, before police will take any action or investigate, and if no-one reports these crimes, how will they ever know that they are happening? Anyway, I've said my bit on that and I understand if you think it would be futile, and you decide not to report it.

You were assaulted only a few days ago. I think maybe you are being a little hard on yourself, to expect to be 'over it' already. You were assaulted, hurt and scared. Unfortunately that doesn't go away over night. Crying, and being upset and scared of people is a normal reaction to being assaulted. Just as it will take time for your head wound to heal, it will take time for your emotional wounds to heal too.

Have you been able to go outside during the day, if someone else is with you? I suggest that you start with that. Have someone with you, and go out. Increasing the time that you are out, and maybe gradually making the time you go out later and later in the day. Then maybe have your companion move further away from you, over time, until they are still around, looking out for you, but maybe across the street, or way behind you. (perhaps read about [DLMURL="https://www.ptsdforum.org/c/wiki/exposure-therapy/"]exposure therapy[/DLMURL])

It sounds like you have lost your confidence (temporarily), but it also sounds like a normal reaction to the events that happened. Who wouldn't be scared? Do you have close family or friends that you can discuss this incident with? If not, then perhaps seek out a professional therapist that you can talk to. Talk about it - don't bottle up your emotions!

To me it sounds like these were opportunist guys who saw you, and chanced their luck. They lucked out, and you scared them off (brilliant ;)). I seriously doubt that they will come looking for you.

I also think you would benefit from going back to work in the pub. You enjoy it and the money is good, so why not? Don't let this one incident take over your life.

Regards
CB

 

[Froggie]

Welcome to the forum used2becarefree. I do agree with with CB, the sooner you can vent out with a professional, the better you won't developpe PTSD. A good debriefing period will so greatly help you out. Maybe at the University there is a Psychology department that offers exactly that. Believe me, this will so greatly help as none of us PTSDers wish that others have what we have. I only wished I would of had some debriefing when I witnessed what I did, but I didn't get the support that I needed.

 

[KP the nut]

(((HUGS))), I'll add my welcome. Sorry I'm short of words for this. One of my iniuries look just like your scalp wound. I only had the courage to look at my photos last week so it is still a bit raw.

Good advice above.
Take care
KP

 

[Linda Lee Bogard - King]

I am so glad you survived the attack, but don't let it stop you from living. Use the experience to help others - it will help you as well. take care

 

[a3a2]

Ouch! Thant looks painful, but it could have been so much worse. Thank God you had the peice of mind to run and scream! It sounds like you are handling this very well. I think talking to the University president is a great idea. Talk. Write. Ask for help. And then talk some more. It will get better.

 

[Bawg]

I'm sorry about about what happened to you. I've been there. You should get someone to stay with you. It will help. You're going to be ok and they probably won't come back. Get a dog if you can. They make you feel safe and are the best home protection. Also, get a co-worker to give you a lift home each night.

I don't think they'll be back. It's doubtful they were targeting you specifically. Either way, You will develop a sixth sense for the rest of your life. Just be sure and listen to your gut and intuition from here on out. You are going to be ok.