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The Emotional Side of Identity Theft

Identity theft is an exhausting and stressful problem.  You will spend hours trying to rebuild your finances and credit after being a victim.  The investigation process itself is grueling to say the least.  You spend hours upon hours talking to companies over the phone, making copies of documents, and writing letters to your account holders.  Of course this doesn’t even compare to the emotional side of identity theft.  Identity theft can really take an emotional toll on you and your family.  Here are some tips to get you through this difficult time. 

• Know that you are not alone.  There are millions of innocent victims every year.  You may feel better by talking to other victims.  If so, try to find a support group you can join or seek out a relative or friend who has gone through this situation.

• Don’t let yourself feel responsible for this.  No one is completely protected from identity theft.  Identity thieves come up with new ways of stealing everyday.  If the government can’t even stay on top of all of the scams, how are you supposed to? 

• It’s perfectly normal to be less trusting for a while.  After identity theft, many victims become withdrawn and lose trust in people completely.  While this is normal, it’s not healthy for extended periods of time.  You may need to talk to someone about the emotions you’re feeling.

• Remember that you’re life doesn’t stop after identity theft.  You need to keep living your life as normal.  You have a responsibility to yourself and your family to resume normal activities as soon as you can.  Getting back into a normal routine should help you feel better as well.

• Take some time to relax after the recovery process.  Little things can really help your emotional state.  Let someone help you with the housekeeping or babysit your children while you have a nice dinner out.  If you can, try to get out of town for the weekend.  Identity theft can drain you mentally and physically.  A little relaxation will help you recharge.

• Turn your anger into something useful.  Some victims find it useful to channel their energy into helping others.  You can provide emotional support to other identity theft victims or try to increase awareness in your community.  You’ll be helping others while helping yourself move on. 

After dealing with identity theft, emotions are usually incredibly high and all over the map.  You’ll probably go through a range of emotions from being scared to angry.  If you want to move on, you have to deal with your emotions.  The last thing you want is for identity theft to take control of your life.  So follow the tips above to handle your emotional state after dealing with identity theft.