If I’ve never experienced a burglary as an adult, I did go through it during my childhood. I remember the uneasy feeling of knowing that strangers had entered our home. I kept wondering if they would come back… The psychological impact of a burglary should not be underestimated. What does it trigger? How can one overcome the feelings of fear and insecurity? Let me share my thoughts with you.
After a burglary, one feels deeply violated in their privacy. Even as a child, I felt this way! I was uneasy at the thought that someone I didn’t know had entered my room. 😥 I saw my mother devastated by the loss of her grandmother's earrings. I sensed my father disoriented by the sight of our living room turned upside down…
How can one not feel shaken after a burglary?...
A burglary is when someone (or several people) decides to break into our private space to steal our belongings. These belongings might have taken years to acquire or may have been passed down through family. It awakens a fear of loss, which is entirely legitimate, but it also makes us doubt. How can we trust people again after such an event? 😰
Psychologist Serge Tisseron explains that some people, after a burglary, tend to withdraw into themselves. How can one trust anyone after such a shock? Mistrust starts to take up more and more space…
👋 You might find this article interesting: The Wound of Betrayal: Why Being Betrayed Hurts So Much
Even worse than losing cherished possessions is the constant feeling of insecurity. I felt like my home, which was supposed to be a safe haven for my family and me, had become a threatening place where anyone could enter 😱… Psychologist Christophe André explains that a burglary is much more than just theft. It feels like our refuge has been defiled and that our fundamental need for security has been shattered.
📌 Abraham Maslow theorized the hierarchy of needs through the Maslow's Pyramid. The need for security is essential because if it isn’t fulfilled, we become paralyzed and unable to address other needs. |
There are many consequences of a burglary that trap us in fear. We live in a state of chronic stress and anxiety, known as hypervigilance. Our bodies release hormones that can cause various health problems, such as hypertension, digestive issues, sleep disorders, and more.
>>> Why not check out the symptoms of depression too?
After such an event, we often feel the need to talk about what we’ve experienced, over and over again. Putting words to our fears, anger, and sadness is a good solution, as it helps us gradually tame these negative emotions and make them less overwhelming. You can confide in supportive loved ones, but it’s even better to seek psychological support to fully recover. EMDR therapy is particularly suited for processing traumatic experiences. Here's how to get over an emotional block.
Alongside this verbal work, it’s also important to gradually reclaim our home. Some people change the decor or rearrange the furniture. Others hold a symbolic housewarming party. Installing a security system 🏠 can also be reassuring.
However, sometimes none of this is enough, and we feel the need to start fresh somewhere else. At the time, my parents made the decision to move because the feeling of insecurity was too overwhelming 🙁. I completely understand, and I think I would have done the same in their place. Even though it’s been over 20 years, I still have a fleeting thought when I leave my house, wondering, “What if it happens again?”...
A burglary leaves a mark; it’s not a trivial event. Everyone copes with this traumatic experience in their own way, and the best approach is to find the solutions that bring us the most peace.
Editorial Note: An invisible but real woundA burglary leaves scars that go beyond stolen items. It’s an invisible wound that can affect our psychological well-being. Don’t let this experience rob you of your inner peace. Take care of yourself, listen to your emotions, and don’t hesitate to seek help. A psychologist can guide you on the path to healing and help you regain your sense of security. Because your mental health deserves your full attention, choose to rebuild yourself. 🤗 Understand yourself, accept yourself, be happy... It starts here and now! |
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