My house was burglarized not too long ago while my family and I were away on vacation. Now no one can sleep through the night and my youngest has started sucking his thumb again, something I thought he had given up for good. No one feels safe here anymore even though no one will say it. What can I do?

You are experiencing normal reactions to being the victim of a crime. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can occur whenever a person has experienced, sees or learns about a traumatic event. Even though you were not home when your house was burglarized, this is still a traumatic event for your family. Many of the reactions to a traumatic event are considered normal and a natural response. It is when these reactions last longer than a month and interfere with your everyday living that a qualified mental health professional can be helpful. Symptoms or reactions fall into three categories. The first are those when a person re-experiences the crime, like when you have nightmares. The second is experiencing avoidance or shock, such as not talking about the crime. The third group includes what is called hyperarousal symptoms where you experience periods of being extremely alert. Only a few people develop PSDT after a traumatic event. Aid for Victims of Crime, Inc. (AVC) can help with the problems created by crime. Many times having someone to talk with can help alleviate many of the stress reactions. AVC provides free crisis counseling for St. Louis City residents to assist in symptom reduction. This year AVC celebrates its 30^th anniversary as the nation’s oldest victim assistance agency. Our 24-hour hotline number is 314 OK-BE-MAD (314-652-3623).

Peggy Franklin, M.Ed.
Aid for Victims of Crime, Inc.
314-652-3623

Having your home burglarized is a shocking and deeply disturbing event. Upsetting feelings can last weeks or even months after the event. Common feelings include helplessness, anger and anxiety. Your difficulty in falling asleep is a result of such anxiety.

It is time for the family to start talking to each other about all aspects of the burglary. Talk about all your thoughts and feelings from the moment you walked into your home to now. There are no "silly" thoughts or feelings. Talk about your losses, your present worries and what you need to do to feel safer. Talking builds a sense of togetherness and counteracts fear and helplessness. It is important to regain a sense of power. Some sensible steps include 1) helping the police, 2) installing locks, lighting or alarms, and 3) joining or starting a neighborhood watch group. What else can you think of to help regain power? If your child had given up thumb sucking, he will probably do so again after he feels safer. Talking will help, as will letting your child express himself in play or drawing. As you gradually recover, your child should also. If symptoms are not improving after a month, please have a consultation with a mental health professional.

Richard J. Laitman, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Clayton, MO
314-863-5111

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