[Eleora]

I came back to Psych Central after several years away. Been using the chat room but mostly only posting off-topic stuff.

Anyways...

Recently I had a panic attack in an elevator because there were 3 men in it. This was unusual for me as I usually only have panic attacks at night before bed, usually 3-4 times per week. To have one during the day and in public was very unlike me.

My husband has informed me that a sex offender has moved into our building. First, I was pissed off at the leasing office because his registry indicates it was a very serious crime that got him put onto it. At any rate, this upsets me and I haven't been sleeping well. I keep getting up and moving around since I find changing locations and staying awake for a few minutes will usually stop nightmares from recurring the same night.

Not really sure how to deal with this. I don't talk to people about my feelings. I recognize that it is rational I would worry about the sex offender. But it's a situation that I can't change. Moving is unrealistic. It's a large complex - I may never even run into him.


Just for reference purposes, I have had PTSD for 13 years and I am 27 next month.

Are you the target age potential victim or is the likely victim a child?

Cameras in the elevator? Parking lot?

Read The Gift of Fear ... it's on Amazon. It is extremely helpful.

I wish I could comment more but we share this issue. The above risk assessment is helpful. Check it out.

[Eleora]

Originally Posted by rainyday107

Are you the target age potential victim or is the likely victim a child?

Cameras in the elevator? Parking lot?

Read The Gift of Fear ... it's on Amazon. It is extremely helpful.

I wish I could comment more but we share this issue. The above risk assessment is helpful. Check it out.

It seems as though I am in the target age range.

Cameras at the entrances, not in the elevators or stairwells. It's hard to get into the building - if I order food I have to meet them downstairs, for example. But once you're in the building security is pretty relaxed.

Although we're starting to lock our door more. Previously we didn't always remember to lock it.

I will look into that book.

[MtnTime2896]

You just have to keep reminding yourself that you're safe. Thing is, that's a lot easier said than done. Don't push yourself in any stressful situations for a while, including unrelated stress. Have something extra that makes you feel safe. Carry pepper spray when you're leaving and coming home. Try working out (helps with anxiety) and do rituals that have made you feel safe in the past.
That's all the advice I have and could or couldn't work for you. You could try some of these out and see how you feel about it.

[Bolivar83]

Glad you posted. The fear has a rational base, even one w/out PTSD could feel fear and worry.... It's been a few days since your post - how are you doing?

I was looking around the web - it seems like a great question, what does someone do when a sex offender moves into the neighborhood - what is in place to keep everyone safe, monitor the situation, etc? This can't be only the concern of a few people

Quite a few sites outlines how the state or area handles paroling these offenders back into the community, the safety measures in place....it might give you some peace of mind to find out how your area handles this, what are your options as a neighbor, etc.

One site: Tip Sheet: Concerned About Sex Offenders In Your Neighborhood | Stop It Now lays out some concrete steps and plans

The San Diego site give a good reference as to how a county, etc spells out the parameters, what a community can do....Sex Offenders, Sex Offender Monitoring and the Law - San Diego County District Attorney

Perhaps contacting the local p.d. could give you some answers, outline your rights, provide some advice how to stay safe...?

I have PTSD, as well - for me, having more information helps me feel more in control about things I'm afraid of....

Take care; hope you will post again....