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.

I was wondering this.

And how do they know if you are in store if you have come with someone else? Do they have Face recognition cameras?

It’s an explanation though, a compelling one

Don't encourage op to go back! That's not ever going to help her!

Yes, other people do confide on me, it can be quite overwhelming at times.

I will not be going back, I am scared.

it’s a lifetime ban.

You need to tell your family. You're not going to get anywhere while your behaviour is a secret. And they are going to take it a lot better if you tell them Vs when they have to go down to the police station and bail you.

Just to be practical:

*You won't have that registration plate for ever.
*The security guard won't be there for ever.
*You can probably apply to a Head Office in a few years, explain the situation and ask to be un-banned, especially if mental heath was a factor.

For now, lay low. Don't go back. Don't risk another branch. But I doubt this will truly be ' a lifetime'. Hope this helps OP.

@Shamefaced23 don’t hate yourself. I’m sorry you’re feeling so bad. Is your GP helpful? Our local MH services are very overstretched but we have a very active and supportive local Mind who offer therapy and other services, I’ve always found them very supportive. I know it sounds an easy fix, but have you tried yoga/meditation to balance (not fix) your symptoms? DH and I both have quite serious MH issues and yoga is my bedrock for sanity. I practice in my front room. Be kind to yourself, beating yourself up doesn’t help and you need gentleness xxx

Not you OP!!

I meant the nasty Pp

No, you would be escorted off the premises. But if you stole again you would be.

And re Tu clothing, you can always buy online and have it delivered for now.

If you must use sainsbury, go to another branch - and don't use the car park,
branches that I use have a timer as you drive in that registers the number plate

OP, I understand completely - I have BPD and am a kleptomaniac. Almost getting seriously caught stopped me from out and out stealing at stores, but I still have urges to not scan things at self check-outs, I make fake complaints to get free stuff, and other horrible stuff. I know it's wrong, and I'm ashamed and embarrassed, but nothing has ever stopped it completely.

I know it's not a helpful post, but I just wanted to let you know you're not alone and at least one person is not judging you.

Also reported. Unnecessary and unhelpful.

I agree with many of the others. This is uncalled for. It’s cruel and not in the least constructive.

I am outside the field of MH, but you clearly know even less about it than I do.

Hope you’re ok OP. You made a mistake as a result of a condition you neither wanted nor asked for. I empathise with your predicament. We all do silly things from time to time. It’s how you pick yourself up and move forward that counts.

All the best to your little boy too. I grew up with a profoundly autistic older brother, I know the stress that comes along with autism.

How lovely you are. She has a mental ILLNESS. Apparently you skipped over that fact in your rush to moral judgment and semonising. 🙄

Wig, sunglasses and park round the corner 😃

There’s a way around every obstacle. 👏

I know I need to tell someone - the person I usually confide in is abroad on holiday at the moment - I will tell them when they return.
I am staying on this thread which will stop me using a bad coping strategy to deal with my feelings.
I know I have messed up massively. I’m ashamed. I won’t ever do it again - I risked prison for what? Chasing a high? It wasn’t worth it and I have to find a more healthy way of coping.

If you’re banned from the shop I’d keep away entirely, including for picking up ordered items.
At least you’re not being taken to court.

Op don't listen to those saying go back in disguise or those minimising the ban

This isn't a one off mistake

Consequences of being caught back there may be a lot more severe

Sorry if I'm being too simple and basic, but was this a massive cry for help? As your child only wears clothes from there etc? Were you almost trying to force something?
Please just try to get help, I hope you can soon

Hi OP, I would say don't hide from your shame, confront it, its liberating. Make this a turning point not just another diversion. OK you can't shop there, but can you take an action to take responsibility for what you have done (therefore giving yourself a new memory of taking responsibility and having to face shame). Like going in and apologising, and giving something to the food bank. Or telling someone close to you what happened. Then you get to experience their reaction not just assume what they think. Its an addiction and a poor coping strategy that is making things worse. There's a reason you got here, its not all your fault, and there is a better way forward for you - it is your responsibility and your gift to yourself to do the work to get there.

AA

Thank you to those who have shown compassion.

I won’t ever do this again. It has been a compulsion.

Mental health services are very stretched here - it’s very difficult to see a psychiatrist and when I was last in crisis it was a 6 month wait to see a psychiatrist and 18 months to see a therapist.