I don’t usually ever talk about things like this, especially to strangers and I will probably delete it eventually but….

I’m 21. And from like age 8-20 I had a problem with stealing. And it was not because I necessarily needed to but I would usually just take candy from stores. Only time I took something I actually needed were some batteries and a phone charger but nothing beyond just that. I also took money from my classmates lockers and I even once almost took someone’s iPod, but I was so afraid that I ended up giving it back the next day. But what’s even worse is the fact that I have taken some of my brother’s birthday/Christmas money that he keeps in a stash. Rough estimate at least $250. And yes I do feel horrible about it all. And I wish I could go back and time and have never done it to begin with. Fast forward to now I have successfully fought off the urge to shoplift because I know how bad it can be for your career if you get caught. I’m currently a full time college student so I don’t work. My dad gives me a certain amount of spending money every week to kind of help me with it. And no I haven’t told him because we do have a good relationship and he’s one of the closest people to me. And I have been putting a bit of it back in my brother’s stash as restitution. I appreciate any advice. Feel free to call me a pos as well.

  • jordanlund@lemmy.world
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    14 hours ago

    Stealing as a compulsion is a psychological issue it’s nothing to feel bad about as you have no control over it, just a) do the best you can to NOT do that and b) as a college student, you should have assistance available to you to help out. It might be worth talking to a counsellor about it or see of the school offers psych services.

    Failing that, in the US, under Obamacare, you’re covered under your parents health insurance until you turn 26, it would be worth seeing what services are available there.