When walking down an alley alone, most people feel a little uneasy.Some people worry about kidnapping a lot.There are ways to deal with fear.
Step 1: There are statistics on kidnapping.
1 in 300,000 children are kidnapped.It is 100 times more likely that you will be struck by lightning.Would a mentally healthy person live in fear of lightning?Of course not.You don't have to worry about being kidnapped.People think kidnappings are like that.Less than 25% of kidnappings are done by strangers.Most are done by family members.9 out of 10 kids who are kidnapped by strangers make it home.Out of 10,000 children who have been kidnapped, 9,999 are found alive.The safety of American children has never been better.
Step 2: Statistics about missing children don't scare you.
Around 90% of missing children are not kidnapped; they are either runaways, lost, or involved in a miscommunication.
Step 3: Most people wouldn't want to abduct you.
Most strangers would never want to hurt you.Chances are low that evil people would be interested in you if you weren't rich or famous.
Step 4: Don't believe everything you read.
The internet has chain mails and hoaxes.If you get an email about kidnapping, mark it as junk mail.
Step 5: Decide if the preparations will make you more anxious.
Some people feel better when they're prepared because they don't have to worry so much.Preparing makes other people think more about what they're afraid of.If you read this section, you might feel worse.You could skip to the next section.
Step 6: If it helps, practice a little extra safety.
Some people are more cautious than others.There are things you can do if you take extra safety measures.The police station, fire station and public phones are nearby.Tell them where you're going.When you get there, text them.It's a good idea to charge your phone every night.You have to keep it with you.Stay in public areas that are well lit.Your route can be changed from time to time.
Step 7: Allow a loved one to track your phone.
If it makes you feel safer, you can install a tracking app.They always know where to find you.If you get lost, the app will only be used to find your phone, if it's missing.
Step 8: Know how to spot deceptive people.
Most strangers are good people and some will help you if you are in trouble.There are a few ways to identify a tricky person.A safe adult will ask another adult for help if they have a problem.They want to give you something or take you somewhere.They want you to do things that don't feel safe.They don't want you to get permission from a parent.They try to make you feel guilty or coerced into saying yes.They make you feel uneasy.
Step 9: Know how to protect yourself from creeps.
You don't have to rehearse it anymore if you have a general idea of what to do.If a person is talking to you, here are some things you can do.Run to a friendly person and tell them what's going on.If necessary, make a scene.Things like "I don't know you!""Don't take me!"You can grab onto a big object like a bike or a tree.Don't let go.Make sure that you're hard to grab.As soon as possible, escape.Even if they have a gun, they're not likely to shoot you in public.Guns are usually used to scare people into obeying.
Step 10: Try to learn some self-defense moves.
You can watch self-defense videos online.You can fight like a wild animal.If someone tried to hurt you, there's a good chance you're worse off than them.If someone grabs your arm, "windmill" it by yanking it up and back abruptly.It is possible to practice this with a friend.Go for the eyes or throat if you're standing.You can grab the attacker's private parts if he is a man.Kick the knees hard if you're on the ground.Shake your head and bite their lips if they kiss you.Grab the keys if you want to get in the way of the steering wheel.Make a noise with the horn.Make huge kicks if you're stuck in the back.Try to crash the car if you are going slowly.If you're in the trunk, kick out the tail lights, wave a hand out, or destroy the wires so that the police won't pull the car over because of broken lights.Use objects as weapons.A key can be used to stab the eyes.
Step 11: You can stop thinking about it now.
If you start to worry about kidnapping, tell yourself that you have a safety plan and you know what to do.Then think about something positive.
Step 12: Discuss your fear with a good person.
People who love you are more likely to help you fight fear.
Step 13: When you're scared, calm yourself.
I'm getting really worked up right now.Look at pictures of cats or listen to music that will make you feel better.
Step 14: To yourself, be kind.
Don't punish yourself for having a fear.Everyone is afraid of something.Be patient with yourself.It wouldn't be realistic to expect to be fearless right away.Practice self care and be gentle with yourself.
Step 15: Don't read the news.
If you have trouble with anxiety, don't watch or read the news.Stay away from the news.When you avoid the urge to check the news, praise or reward yourself.Blacklist tags are used on social media.
Step 16: The baby should be taking baby steps.
To prove that you've conquered your fear, you don't have to throw yourself into a dark alley.Take it one step at a time and work on little ways to be more independent.Try to be apart from a loved one for a few minutes at the mall, and then go back to them.Even if it's small, reward yourself when you make progress.
Step 17: Know when a fear is not normal.
If your fear of kidnapping affects your daily life, you may be dealing with a disorder.You don't have to go through this on your own.
Step 18: Consider disorders that could cause a fear of being kidnapped.
Kidnapping fears may be related to an anxiety disorder.If one of the mental disorders sounds familiar, try reading about it.Specific, irrational fears are what they are.There is still a chance for treatment for a kidnappingphobia.Fears that someone wants to hurt you.Being judged by other people can cause serious anxiety.excessive worry about different thingsBeliefs such as being convinced that a drink is drugged or a stranger is trying to kill you are not grounded in reality.Hypervigilance and a fear that the event will happen again can occur after a traumatic event.
Step 19: Talk to your doctor.
If your fear is strong enough to be considered a disorder, a doctor can prescribe anti- anxiety medication.If needed, they can refer you to a specialist who can screen you for other disorders.To correct chemical imbalances in the brain, anti-anxiety medication is used.
Step 20: See a counselor or therapist.
People who struggle with excessive worry are helped by professionals.They know what to say and how to be less afraid.