I am scared--I don't know what to do

[jiacinto]

I need to move but am stressed out. I need to get things moving and feel very confused.

[Stupdworld]

1. well

well have you found a place to move to? there is a logic to this process..

[jiacinto]

2. I was mugged last night

and am under the gun. I am unemployed. Don't know what on earth to do.

[kalian]

3. ...join the army....?

:shrug:

[bicentennial_baby]

4. Carlos

I really think you should talk to someone. You're most likely having some post-traumatic stress on top of your other problems, and you should talk it over with someone. I'm sure there's a help line in your area, or you could contact the victim/witness division of your local PD.

[jiacinto]

6. Ok I will try to do that

nt

[bicentennial_baby]

8. Here I found you a number

http://www.switchboardmiami.org/

"For more than thirty-five years, Switchboard of Miami, a private, nonprofit, multi-service agency, has provided the Miami-Dade community with comprehensive telephone crisis counseling, suicide prevention, information and referral services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. In addition, our agency offers free individual and family counseling services, as well as school based prevention programs for high-risk youth and their families."

Please give them a call. I think it'll make you feel a lot better, and that will help you to get the rest of your life together, which I think is your main goal right now.

[jiacinto]

11. I will call them

Thanks.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

13. As the...

Unofficial DU Crisis Worker, pro tempore and without portfolio(Don't ask, don't even ask...), I would say that is the best-timed post I have ever seen here. Nail->head and all that.

Carlos: Do it!!! Dial the number!!! Do NOT try to do this alone!

You are a very smart person. Now is the time to do one of the smartest things you have ever done: Dial the number.

There is no weakness in asking for someone else to lend you their strength when you need it. It's just smart.

[jiacinto]

17. Called it

They gave me the name of a counseling place to call tommorrorrow.

[lynndew2]

19. Wtg Jiacinto!!!!

I am Proud of you and please listen to what they say. I am sure you will come out if this fine!!!

[bicentennial_baby]

20. Thanks Carlos

I'm really glad to hear that. Give them a call, see where it goes. You're gonna be fine. :-)

[jiacinto]

21. They just gave me the names of other agencies

nt

[salin]

23. use them

(the other agencies).

I am very sorry to hear about the mugging. Must have been awful. Let the people who know how to help, help you.

Proles advice above (lists) is good - can let you get things down now - so you don't lose thoughts/options -but also forces you into a process so that you don't make a big decision while you are reeling. We can each only handle so much at a given second. Sometimes a few more minutes (symbolically speakng - think a slightly longer time frame) are needed to regain perspective that is needed to make those bigger decisions.

Best of luck Carlos. Know that you are supported. Disagreement on issues melts away - when we need to rally around one of our own.

[Cleita]

25. Mebbe you should get out of Florida.

You seemed find where you lived before. Mebbe you should go back.

[prolesunited]

5. I would start by making lists

Writing things down and organizing them on paper will help you clarify your thoughts. Do not let your emotions cloud your thinking. I know you've been through a lot, but you can't just keep shouting, "The sky is falling."

Sit down, take some deep breaths and start writing down a step-by-step action plan. What are three major things that you have to do to fix the situation. Under each one, write down each action you need to take. Once you have mapped out a plan, you will feel more confident and secure.

Can you do this?

[AlienGirl]

7. Have you contacted the police?

They will have Crime Victims' Counseling Services (or equivalent). You need counseling; you have just been through a traumatic event. The services offered by the police will be free.

Tucker

[DUreader]

9. Where are you, Carlos?

I might be able to put you up for a while.

I would have to clear it with my S.O. but she would be cool about it

for a while.

[greatauntoftriplets]

10. I was mugged at knifepoint some years ago, in broad daylight.

And it was a damned big knife. Dirty, as well. I had a good view of it.

The next day, I walked down the same street and have done so many times since then. Nothing has happened to me since. The cops told me I should do like a man and carry everything in my pockets. Uh, these cops apparently were not well versed with the pocket situation in women's clothing. It's life in the big city.

[Cleita]

24. When I lived in the city and went out at night.

I found various fashions that worked, like vests and jackets with pockets on the inside as well as the outside. I only carried one credit card, my driver's license and twenty in cash (besides cosmetics). That eliminated the need to carry a purse around.

[roguevalley]

12. you're worrying me, honey

get someone around you. Go talk to a counselor. See if
a priest can listen or point you in the right direction.
See a doctor, honey, if you feel so jittery. Go to a
clinic if money is an object. I feel so bad being in
Alaska. I send you hugs, honey.

[Marlie]

14. Carlos

I also send you big hugs. Follow rougevalley's good advice. You
sound like you're feeling so alone with your problems. Wish I could
give you my shoulder to lean on.

[pink_poodle]

15. I'm sending good wishes to you. You are not alone. First.............

you need to tell someone with authority about the mugging. Then they can probably give you a phone number to talk to someone about it. Maybe even talk about other things that are bothering you. We all have other things bothering us, aside from the main issues. So many of us here know these feelings. Good luck!!!!!

[jburton]

16. hey

Definately call the hotline somebody posted above.

I was mugged/beat up a couple of years ago. In addition to that, my paycheck was in my wallet and rent was due that day.

There was a local hotline I called and they knew all sorts of stuff and had contacts that I hadn't even dreamed about.

I ended up voluteering there a few months later to say 'thanks'

[jiacinto]

18. I called

nt

[kayleybeth]

22. (((Carlos)))

Wish I could help. Good luck, and don't give up!

[dreissig]

26. The Memory Will Fade

You are still frightened right now, and it isn't a pleasant feeling. That will ebb away with time. In the interim, let your head govern your emotions. Live your life; don't give in to panic. You will learn to deal with your fear.