I Can’t Stop Stealing Things — What This Teaches Us About Compassion and Healing
Posted on 22 July 2025 by Amelia Nguyen — 3 min
Have you ever caught yourself doing something you couldn’t explain, leaving you confused, ashamed, or even scared?
Recently, I came across a heartfelt letter published in the Boston Herald titled “Dear Abby: Help! I just can’t stop stealing things”. In it, a woman bravely shares how a simple mishap – leaving an item in her shopping cart – spiraled into a compulsive habit of taking things like shoes, makeup, and clothing.
Her story struck a chord with me, not just because of the behavior itself, but because it reveals something deeper: the human struggle for connection, understanding, and healing.
Why Do Compulsions Like Stealing Happen?
Compulsive stealing, also known as kleptomania, isn’t about greed or wanting to cause harm — it’s a complex mental health struggle. Many who face it wrestle with intense feelings like anxiety, stress, or a deep craving for control or relief. When we look beyond the surface, we see a person longing to be understood and supported, not judged.
This realization opens a door to compassion. Instead of shame, what if we approached such experiences with kindness and curiosity?
What Can We Learn From This?
When something feels out of control in our lives, it’s easy to lose hope. But every struggle holds a lesson, and healing often starts with gentle acceptance and small, nurturing steps forward. Here’s what this story highlights for me:
- The Power of Self-Awareness: Recognizing a behavior is the first brave step toward change.
- The Importance of Support: No one should journey alone; compassionate friends, family, or professionals can make all the difference.
- Gentle Solutions Matter: Just like in reproductive health, where gentle, private approaches like at-home insemination kits provide comfort and control, healing mental health challenges benefits from approaches that respect privacy and personal pace.
Taking Control in Your Journey to Wellness
Whether you’re facing fertility challenges or mental health struggles, having tools and resources that empower you in the comfort of your own space can be transformative. For example, MakeAMom offers discreet, reusable home insemination kits that many find empowering because they put control and privacy in your hands during a sensitive time. This sense of autonomy can be a game-changer for anyone feeling vulnerable or overwhelmed.
You might wonder, how does this connect with emotional healing? Because just like the woman seeking help for her compulsive behavior, people on fertility journeys often feel isolated or misunderstood. Tools that provide gentle, accessible care can reduce stress and foster hope — two ingredients essential for any kind of healing.
What’s Next? Embracing Compassion in Every Step
Stories like the one in the Boston Herald remind us that mistakes and struggles don’t define us — how we respond to them does. Whether the challenge is compulsive stealing, fertility struggles, or emotional pain, the path to healing is paved with empathy, support, and the courage to seek help.
If you or someone you love is facing a tough road, remember: you’re not alone, and quiet, empowering steps like those offered by MakeAMom’s at-home systems can help create a safe space for growth and healing.
So, what do you think? Have you experienced moments that felt out of your control? How did compassion — for yourself or others — change your perspective? Share your thoughts below. Sometimes, the most surprising connections come from opening up and listening closely.
Let’s start the conversation. Because every journey, no matter how challenging, deserves kindness.