do you think its an impulse control problem? maybe it would help if you found a way for you to force yourself to slow down and make a rational decision about it... you could try to make yourself think what use it would be (as if what you said is right, its probably useless), or you could try to make yourself go out of the store for five minutes and see if the urge goes away. i will probably think of more ideas, i'll let you know if i find any that might be helpful
this is my magical medicine cabinet. Left to right they contain: courage, hope, calmness, and strength.
The magical part: They NEVER run out, so borrow some any time you want.
Did anyone ever steal from you and upset you? A lot of people who are victimized can be altered by the experience and they take on part of the identity of the victimiser. Kids hurt by parents grow up to hurt their kids, abused people can become abusers, theft victims can start to steal etc.
The excitement and challenge can also be addicting - just like gambling is for gamblers. A shoplifter can just be gambling they wont get caught. They can enjoy feeling like they got away with something and beat the system.
My nephew steals because his parents called him a theif from early in his childhood... Said he was stealing food and stuff. He gets neglected pretty bad so actually stealing gets him attention, and any attention, even negative attention, he craves.
My nephew steals because his parents called him a theif from early in his childhood... Said he was stealing food and stuff. He gets neglected pretty bad so actually stealing gets him attention, and any attention, even negative attention, he craves.
Accusing people of stealing unfairly can upset a kid into stealing. The suggestion gets implanted in their mind while they are upset They can also fisgure if they are going to get accused of stealing they might as well do it
Look into borderline personality disorder. Impulsivity is a factor in BPD, and shoplifting is one of the things that fit into the category. Self harm and self injury are also features of BPD.
It's definitely a good idea to bring this up with a therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist...etc
These are the criteria to diagnose BPD, 5 or more usually confirm the diagnosis. If you notice that a lot of the following apply to you, bring it up with the doctor and they could help you figure out if this is something you could use some help with :)
1. frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment. Note: Do not include suicidal or self-mutilating behavior covered in Criterion 5.
2. a pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation.
3. identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self.
4. impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging (e.g., spending, sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, shoplifting, binge eating). Note: Do not include suicidal or self-mutilating behavior covered in Criterion 5.
5. recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilating behavior
6. affective instability due to a marked reactivity of mood (e.g., intense episodic dysphoria, irritability, or anxiety usually lasting a few hours and only rarely more than a few days).
7. chronic feelings of emptiness
8. inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger (e.g., frequent displays of temper, constant anger, recurrent physical fights)
9. transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms
