I’m addicted to shoplifting and got caught today

[Shamefaced23]

And banned nationally from that supermarket for life .
I am bipolar and did it to get a high - I’ve been addicted to alcohol and cutting myself in the past.
I’m so ashamed , I’m worried my family will find out.
I did wrong and I admit it . Is there anywhere I can get help.

Your gp ?

Obviously you need to get your bipolar managed and treated.

Do you have a CPN? Care plan? How do you manage your bi-polar, do you take any medication?
You could try the crisis team 111 option 2

I take a mood stabiliser and an anti depressant .

Go back to GP and see what they advise? They may be able to sign post you in the right direction.

I hope you are ok, OP!

Go back to your GP

I’m so scared my family will find out - the security guard had seen me steal before and charge me for what I stole last time. I have a life time ban from every branch of that supermarket. He has taken my car registration so I can’t park in their car park. It’s Sainsbury’s- do you think the car registration will flag up nationally (sometimes I other things click and collect from Argos), part of my stress is possibly being made redundant

Treatment for kleptomania typically involves medicines and psychotherapy, or both, sometimes along with self-help groups. However, there's no standard kleptomania treatment, and researchers are still trying to understand what may work best. You may have to try several types of treatment to find what works well for you.

Your mood clearly isn't stable if you are seeking highs. You need to go back to the GP and be referred on

@Motorcycleemptyness - thank you so much for your kindness which is more than I deserve.
I am so scared this will come out

Start with your mental health team. Otherwise, talk to your gp. You're not stealing for gain, and it shows that your condition isn't currently well controlled. Good luck to you, I hope you get the help you need.

I don’t know how I’m going to explain to my family that I can’t go to Sainsbury’s or Argos ever.

My DH and I both have been issued with lifetime bans from Sainsbury's, we were teenagers stealing about £10 worth of sweets to take to the cinema. It never stopped us going back though. One time the security guard recognised us and escorted us out, and that was the end of it. This was many years ago and it's never ever come up again in any Sainsbury's we've been to.

I remember reading about a woman who forgot to pay for a bottle in the bottom of the pram, the alarm at the door went and she was escorted to the back and also given a lifetime ban. Sainsbury's are a bit OTT about their lifetime bans, I wouldn't worry about that aspect of your situation.

what did you get caught with? and last time?
if its a TV I'd worry but if it's a tin of beans I wouldn't. it depends

@Robinbuildsbears - I’m not planning to go back, I am worried I would be escorted out of the shop, but I’m wondering if I wanted to order stuff to another branch would they recognise my car registration and take action? My child has autism and only wears the clothes at Sainsbury’s so I order them and click and collect and return them in store to avoid the delivery charge.
it was make up which I don’t even wear, I am so stupid and self defeating. I hate myself so much

Said kindly , so you think telling your family ( and I understand the anxiety you have about it as you've mentioned a few times ) is actually the best thing to do ?
It sounds like you need support and having them know could be something you need right now.

In reality I can't actually imagine how a lifetime ban would be enforced, particularly if you paid in cash at a different store.
It is more important to work on getting your mental health stabilized so it doesn't cause more stress for you.

Last time (a month ago) I was a £15 face cream I stole. This time it was loads - 3 items of make up, some leggings and sone food -

Don't hate yourself , you are ill
Have you got anyone in RL you can confide in?

The thing about the ban is that it means that if you enter a store again you are trespassing. Which means that if you were to steal again, you would be committing burglary, which obviously carries tougher penalties than simple theft.

Its really important that you get help to stabilise your mood, start with your GP
or your mental health team if you have one.

I can’t tell them - they are under so much stress in relation to another family member

So what happens if you sell your car. Is the new owner banned

This is what I am scared of - as I am banned if I enter the store again would I be arrested? I’m never stealing again - I’ve learnt my lesson it was terrifying. Will it blow over and I can go back in a few years or never?

I was going to say this. Maybe you need to be open so they can fully support you through this? I know you’re ashamed but you’re dealing with an illness which led you to that. You have my understanding and sympathy and I’m sure your family will feel the same. Sending love.

Yes, I was told this by our security guard when we had a similar issue and he was issuing a ban. You cannot go back to that store and probably no other local ones as they will have shared at least a description of you as they do all keep each other informed.

Nationally, it’s not really enforceable. But please do get help and regardless of what is going on with your family I think it will help if you could talk about what’s going on with someone, I mean this kindly, you clearly can’t cope with this on your own.