Undiagnosed Looking For Help/ Advice After A Bank Robbery

[anjohn]

This is very new to me but I am having a very hard time getting over a bank robbery that happened two years ago. I am the manager of the bank (still work at the same one) and was in my office. I heard the door ding and I looked up and see a man with his back to me standing in my doorway. I was sitting at my desk and asked, "can I help you?" He turned around and had a black ski mask, hoodie, gloves and two semi auto pistols, one in each hand. He walked towards me and came around the desk and put a gun to my head... He forced me to the teller line where he held one gun to my head and the other pointed at my teller while she was getting him money. He forced us back in my office, told us to pull out the phone cords and lay face down on the floor and count to 100.

My life has not been the same. I am scared all of the time, I can't breathe anytime I see someone in winter gear with faces covered. Last week I was watching the news and saw video footage of a robbery at a local restaurant. The robber had a black ski mask on and I had the worst panic attack of my life. I thought I was having a heart attack. I don't know what to do or how to get over this. It is not only affecting my job but my sanity. Any suggestions? I've had counseling and I don't feel like it has helped that much. Thank you for any suggestions, as I know I'm not alone. I have not been diagnosed with anything other than anxiety. I feel like I may have PTSD.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Hi, and welcome!

We can't diagnose you here, but from what you describe it sounds like at the very least you are suffering from post traumatic stress symptoms, if not the whole PTS disorder.

I urge you to seek out a trauma therapist. Not all therapies/ therapists are created equal.

If the location of the trauma is an issue, is it possible to transfer to another branch?

 

[Deleted member 20280]

I will simply reiterate Solara's comments. Please seek professional help.

Kindest regards.

Laurie

 

[Overcast]

I know how you are feeling. I was robbed by gunpoint and couldn't return to running my parents business as a result of all the terror. I found it helpful when I studied a form of martial arts. I know that wouldn't have worked with the robbery but it did bring back a form of security for me. I still have nightmares and triggers from the robbery. I don't know if you can use your skills in any other profession or not. That might be an option until you are able to get past this event. Is there another position away from the banks that you could do until you find the right type of therapy that works for you?

 

[intothelight]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[mar1]

I am dealing with a very similar situation as you are. I have been working with a therapist doing EMDR and it seems to be working. If you need someone to talk to let me know. I am here looking for ways to live a normal life right now because I can't seem to shake this feeling of being constantly afraid.