"Beneath the Surface: Struggling with KLEPTOMANIA"

"Beneath the Surface: Struggling with KLEPTOMANIA"

intensifying

intensifying

qq

As I stepped into the lecture hall for the very first time as an undergraduate, a whirlwind of excitement and nervous anticipation churned within me. The room buzzed with the energy of my fellow course mates, their eager conversations and exchanged laughter creating an atmosphere that was both invigorating and slightly overwhelming. The professor strode to the front of the room, their presence commanding attention. With a warm smile, they introduced themselves and began explaining the intricacies of the course. As the professor discussed the course fees and dues, my eyes widened in disbelief. I had expected the costs associated with university life, but the breakdown of expenses—ranging from tuition to materials and various fees—caught me off guard, but anyways my parents told me to call whenever I need anything plus the weekly allowance I’m going to be receiving.

By 3:00 pm class came to an end, as I returned to my room, I noticed a new presence. A neatly made bed sat against the wall, and a small desk was now occupied by someone's belongings. I blinked in surprise, my heart racing with confusion. My roommate, I guessed, entered the room with a warm smile that immediately put me at ease. She introduced herself with a friendly handshake, I’m Sophia, she said, Peace, I replied. Hope we get along, yeah sure I said quite happy to have a companion. Which course are you offering she asked,” law” I said, and you? Medicine, woaah! I exclaimed.

In the labyrinth of a mind consumed by an invisible force, I struggled daily with a battle that no one else could see. Urges that seemed to arise from the depths of my subconscious ensued me, the urges weren't just whispers; they were like waves crashing against the walls of my self-control. I fought back, of course I did, but the compulsion was an insidious siren, its call impossible to ignore. In the midst of a jewelry store's glimmering allure, my fingers trembled with an uncontrollable urge. Drawn to a delicate silver pendant, I battled the compulsion that whispered promises of relief. Heart pounding, palms sweaty, I glanced around, then quickly and discreetly slipped the pendant into my palm. Guilt mingled with fleeting satisfaction as I left the store.

Sophia, unaware of my struggle, began to notice things going missing. Earrings that were once on her desk would mysteriously vanish, and cherished mementos would inexplicably disappear. At first, she brushed it off as forgetfulness, but as the incidents continued, her sense of unease grew. My heart would race as the urge to steal took over. I would try to resist, but the tension would become unbearable, a voice in my head whispering that taking something would bring relief. And in moments of weakness, I would give in, only to be consumed by guilt and shame afterward.

Late at night when everybody must have gone to bed, my thought lingered on my roommate's prized possession—a pair of exquisite shoes that exuded elegance. Although I had something like that, but I just wanted hers, my heart raced as the compulsion seized me, urging me to touch, to take, to possess. The line between longing and action blurred, and with trembling hands, I picked up the shoes and hid it under my luggage.

By morning, Sophia raised an alarm about her missing shoe, It didn't take long for the chaos to reach a boiling point. Accusations flew, tempers flared, and friendships strained under the weight of suspicion. Of course, I was the prime suspect, fellow friends kept urging me to speak up, I was clothed with guilt, shame and embarrassment, I knew it was time to spill all out, I told Sophia I wanted to speak with her in private, tears welled up in my eyes as I recounted the incident—the moment when weakness had led me to steal her cherished shoe and other things I have stolen. As I finished my confession, I braced myself for Sophia’s reaction. But to my astonishment, Sophia expression softened with understanding, and she placed a comforting hand on my shoulder.

You are suffering from *KLEPTOMANIA* , Sophia said to me, what is that I asked curiously, Kleptomania is a mental health disorder characterized by an impulse control problem that leads to a recurrent and irresistible urge to steal items that are not needed for personal use or monetary gain. People with kleptomania typically experience a sense of tension or anxiety before committing the theft, followed by relief or gratification afterward.

It's important to note that kleptomania is different from ordinary theft or shoplifting. People with kleptomania steal items on impulse, often without premeditation, and the items they steal are often of little or no value to them. They might steal things like trinkets, small items, or even items they could easily afford to purchase, she explained. What causes it, I asked, The exact cause of kleptomania is not well understood, but it is believed to be related to a combination of genetic, neurological, and psychological factors. It is classified as an impulse control disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is used by mental health professionals to diagnose mental health conditions, she said. How do you know all this Sophia, oh, I once did a research work about kleptomania, she answered. How can I be treated? I asked, Treatment for kleptomania typically involves psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or other therapeutic approaches aimed at addressing the underlying emotional and psychological triggers for the impulsive behavior. Medications, such as antidepressants, may also be used in some cases to help control the urges associated with kleptomania. it's important to seek help from a mental health professional, she replied. So I would have to go the hospital I asked, yes but we must inform your parents first and I’m also here to support you, she replied, hugging me...

Writer Details:Meekness✍️

 Location:University of Ibadan,Oyo State,Nigeria🇳🇬.