How to Cope with the Stress of a Home Robbery

A home robbery can be a traumatic event for anyone. To help understand what type of impact a home robbery can have on someone's overall life and for tips on how to cope with the stress of a home robbery, I have interviewed psychotherapist Angela Lehr, MS, LPC.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.
"I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Private Practice in Portland, Oregon. I have been working with survivors of crime, trauma, and grief for nearly 15 years and currently provide individual, family and group counseling to adults affected by crime, trauma, abuse, grief, and other challenging life experiences. I also work with businesses and agencies around issues of workplace violence, vicarious trauma and to better meet the mental health needs of their employees including the development of a specialized group program to support financial institution employees coping with bank robbery."

What type of impact can a home robbery have on someone's overall life?
"A home robbery can be a disruptive and traumatic experience and is an experience of crime victimization. Although people know that crime happens and that home robberies are possible it is natural to assume that your home will not be intruded upon. When a person/family's home is robbed it can be very impactful and unsettling to have had someone intrude in the place where you live that is meant to be safe and within your control. Experiencing this crime can also mean a loss or damage of property of both financial and sentimental value and dealing with the criminal justice system, banks, insurance companies, security systems, costs accrued and lost time at work or school can be very stressful and demanding.

Common emotional reactions include feelings of powerlessness, anger, insecurity, grief, lack of safety, increased worry for children or loved ones, fear that the perpetrators could return, and hyper-vigilance including startling more easily, increased sensitivity to noises or hyper-awareness of one's surroundings. There is typically some degree of post-traumatic stress that can last days, weeks, or continue longer depending on the unique facets and ripple effects of the robbery or past experiences of trauma or loss a person has had."

How can someone cope with the stress from a home robbery?
"Coping and self-care are vital following crime victimization. Accepting and asking for support from family, friends, and one's community can help reduce stress and reduce feelings of isolation and powerlessness. People experience crime and trauma differently so, it's important to trust what a person needs to feel more safe and comfortable. For some it will mean not wanting to stay in the home for a bit or altering routines and habits and for some it will mean facing the scene right away or keeping closely to everyday routines and schedules . It's also helpful to validate that a home robbery can bring up many different feelings and stressors and that resilience and coping do not mean the absence of stress or emotions, it's acknowledging and experiencing this that helps a person move through the after-effects. Also, crime victims have certain rights if an investigation or criminal case is pursued and can access support and information through the crime victim specialists within law enforcement and District Attorney's programs."

What type of professional help is available for someone that is having a difficult time coping with the stress of a home robbery?
"There are several different types of professional help that one can turn to after experiencing a home robbery. Getting counseling can be very healing and beneficial to help cope with either short-term or long-term effects. Some ways to access a counselor or therapist can be through insurance / mental health benefits, Employee Assistance Programs , Crime Victim's Compensation Programs, or community mental health agencies. Some communities also have support group meetings for those who have had similar experiences and for some, religious or faith-based support can offer comfort and assistance. Additionally there are some very informational websites and message boards for crime victims including non-profit or government organizations and national centers for crime victims such as the National Center for Victims of Crime ( www.NCVC.org )."

Thank you Angela for doing the interview on how to cope with the stress of a home robbery. For more information on Angela Lehr or her work you can check out her website on www.cherryblossomcounseling.org .

Recommended Readings:
How to Overcome Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

How Prolonged Exposure Therapy Can Help PTSD

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