I was recently conducting some research on crime when I came across the term ‘crime anxiety’. I had never heard it before, and I assumed it was just a made-up term being used by the writer to convey a point. But just to be sure, I did some research. Guess what I learned? Crime anxiety is a real thing.
Crime anxiety is a recognized mental health condition relating to a person’s fear of becoming a crime victim. An affected person routinely experiences feelings of dread or anxiety along with the perception of being the target. A key component of the condition is the difference between perception and reality. In other words, the person has either never been a crime victim or is not highly likely to become one in the future.
It Can Impact Quality of Life
As with any other form of anxiety, crime anxiety manifests itself at different levels and intensities. Feelings of anxiety might be rather mild for one patient but extreme for another. One thing is for certain: crime anxiety can become debilitating if it is not dealt with. A person could become so afraid of being victimized that they can no longer function normally.
Even mild-to-moderate anxiety can alter the way a person lives. The perception of being open to crime can lead a person to:
- Adopt protective behaviors.
- Avoid risky places.
- Avoid certain types of activities.
None of these things are bad in and of itself. And in fact, they are good for everyone – even people without crime anxiety. But each of them can be taken to an extreme as well. And when that happens, crime and anxiety can become a problem.
Reduce the Risk, Reduce the Anxiety
A person with crime anxiety severe enough to be debilitating is probably best served by professional help. Working with a trained therapist is a safe bet. But people with mild-to-moderate anxiety over crime can do some basic things to alleviate the anxiety. They all boil down to this: reduce the risk and you reduce the anxiety.
The point is well illustrated by comparing crime anxiety to something similar. Imagine a person feeling anxious about going out on a boat because he cannot swim. He is missing out on fun times and family gatherings because he will not leave the shore. There is a way to reduce his anxiety by reducing his risk.
He can wear a life jacket and climb into a swimming pool. Once in the pool, he can lift his legs to prove that the life jacket will keep him afloat. A couple of sessions in the pool should give him confidence in the life jacket, thereby reducing his perception of risk. As the perception gradually fades, his anxiety is relieved. It will not be long before he is out on the boat with the rest of his family.
Things to Do While Out and About
It is not surprising that people with crime anxiety tend to feel most anxious went out in about. Leaving home implies a certain amount of risk which only makes them feel more anxious. However, there are things a person can do to reduce the risk of becoming a crime victim. Here are just a few examples:
- Pay Attention – Criminals look for the easiest targets. Those targets tend to be people who aren’t paying attention to their surroundings. One of the best ways to avoid becoming a crime victim is to always be aware of one’s surroundings.
- Practice Confidence – In addition to people not paying attention, criminals look for people who don’t seem to display any confidence. On the other hand, walking around with one’s head held high and shoulders back presents a confident and intimidating image that forces criminals to think twice before making a move.
- Trust Instincts – Human beings have a built-in sense of danger. When a crime-anxious person feels like something is off, he should trust his instincts. The minute such feelings kick in, it is time to take action.
- Avoid Risky Behaviors – Some people put themselves directly in harm’s way by engaging in risky behaviors. They could lower their risks by avoiding such behaviors.
There are still other things that crime-anxious people can do including parking in well-lit areas, not walking around with their phones in their hands, not flaunting their valuables, etc. But it’s time to move on.
Things to Do at Home
Being anxious about crime at home is never a good thing. A home is supposed to be a place of safety. It’s supposed to be a homeowner’s sanctuary. So what can you do if crime anxiety makes you worry even in the one place you are supposed to feel relaxed? Again, reduce the risk.
Here are some suggestions compliments of Vivint Home Security:
- Electronic Security – Homeowners can install electronic security systems monitored 24/7. A good system includes window and door sensors, a couple of video cameras, a motion detector or two, and sensors for both smoke and carbon monoxide.
- Lock Upgrades – Lock upgrades go a long way toward keeping criminals out. Deadbolt locks with heavy-duty kick plates are the best option. Smart locks are also good because they allow monitoring of who is coming and going.
- Landscaping Upgrades – Landscaping is bad news when it provides cover for criminals. The good news is that homeowners can upgrade their landscaping to make their homes more beautiful and secure at the same time. The right landscaping makes a significant difference.
Additional suggestions include keeping windows and doors always locked, keeping the garage door closed, never allowing mail to pile up, putting lights on timers, and never broadcasting on social media when you are not home.
Crime anxiety is a real thing. For some people, it is debilitating. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be. With the right strategies in place, a person can reduce his crime anxiety and reduce his risk. Once the perception of risk is well managed, crime anxiety should subside.
