I started stealing when I was 4. I have stolen everything from a piece of gum to almost 100k from my job. I never talked to anyone about these issues, until I came clean to my job in 2014. I was then able to be honest with my counselor and at age 41 (I am now 42) was diagnosed with Kleptomania and BPD. It's been a big pill to swallow and this is the first support site I have ever been on, but I can't hold this crap in anymore, so I figured I would reach out here and see how it goes. I haven't stolen in a while, but EVERY time I go into a store it crosses my mind, even with money in my pocket. It weighs heavy on me because I don't want to be a friend or daughter that can't be trusted. I'm blessed with the friends and family I have but making new friends because of my past has proven to be very difficult and the older I get the harder it gets.
It must not been easy for you to deal with this at a more advanced stage in your life. I feel sorry for you that you have been carrying this issue for such a long time.
I also started stealing at a very young age of 4, it lasted up to the age of 12 until i came into contact with religion (although i am not religious anymore now) i started regretting my actions, and paid back royal sums of money to the shops and schools that i stole stuff from. I did so by writing anonymous letters with money in them and sending them by post.
Thing is, nothing is for free in life. Everyone works hard to create all the things and products that you see lying around in the shop and elsewhere. And you wouldn't want things that are dear to you stolen either. So what you don't want to happen to yourself, also don't do that upon others. Make sure your actions are constructive to society , and not destructive. Because that is what stealing in the end is, a destructive force that undermines the system in place in society and it will eventually also hurt yourself. (ending up in prison, and what not).
You will live a happier life turning over the page and starting a new life , free from kleptomania.
@nafta
No its very hard on me. But every day I go out and do everything I have to and keep going.
Lots of Weed helps!!!
Today and yesterday I was able to stifle the urge to steal. Yay! !!