Inconsiderate, intimidating neighbors cause depression and anxiety?

You lived with fear and apprehension for quite a while. It might be a good idea to talk to someone sooner rather than later to break the pattern you find yourself in. Sometimes it just takes a couple sessions to replace,old thoughts with new ones.

Update: I'm definitely still fearful here, not just because I have been conditioned to feel it but the fact is the men may have had or developed relationships in the complex, i.e. sold drugs to them. I am not at all sure about this but it's a possibility. Maybe they will retaliate? I know it sounds paranoid but it's something that has been on my mind.

I believe the feelings of fear will not be long-term but it could be. I think I could never be completely comfortable leaving and coming back to this building. I will give a little more time before I talk to someone about this.

Update: Last night I actually went outside at 1 m to look at the lunar eclipse! For months I would usually dare not go out of my building after dark. Last night I did and felt totally safe! Well, it was 1 am so I didn't actually see the full eclipse which was at 2:30 am. The moon looked about the same, but was supposed to be already happening. So I then went back in and went to bed. Unfortunately I was so tired and didn't want to stay up an extra 1.5 hours. At least this place is safe again!

This was a terrible unfortunate situation you were in. It seems to be a so called new normal for our society. No moral compass no boundaries obsessed with money not caring it other people are harmed or terrorized. It takes great courage and effort to participate in effective change for the greater good and I admire and respect you for that.

Robert,
You went through a very scary, intimidating experience! It makes sense that you are still a little apprehensive! However, this is when you put all your issues and concerns in God's hands. Talk to him daily and often. Ask for his help. It will be OK. As the other comment stated, we live in bad times. So we need to pray a lot! This is why I only go grocery shopping and do errands early in the mornings on Mondays and Tuesdays. The bad people are all passed out from the night before, so it is safer and the traffic is light.

Give yourself some time. You will get through this. I'll say a prayer for you.
PML

Thank you. Yes, we must all stand up to this. I understand very well that people are afraid of getting involved but that's why it continues. There are ways to go about it to be safe. Crimestoppers is an excellent resource to keep anonymous (and also get a reward). Keep on contacting them each and every time until the problem is gone!

Update: I have been still thinking about this nightmare situation that I endured for months. I didn't tell you that months ago when this was happening I actually thought about getting one of those temporary tattoos and putting it on my face right before I got to the apartment complex. This way the men would see it as I walked into the building and think I was a "bad dude" and would leave me alone. I also looked up gang hand signs so that I could subtly flash the worst gang signs and they would see that and leave me alone! That's how crazy this situation made me!

I still believe there may be people in the apartment complex who knew, or rather know, the men. I am still being cautious but overall the fear is gone.

Oh, the apartment complex now has security cameras all around! This is so welcomed!

Update: I had a dream about the men last night. They were living in the house I grew up in. I saw one of them in another room then other people came in to the house and I heard them all say "Happy Birthday!" to one of the men. I thought that this wasn't bad and I went into the living room, on the other side of the house. Then about 10 minutes later some of the people, men and women, came in to the living room eating cake and I said, because it was the decent thing to do, "Happy birthday.". No one said anything back and I was thinking "I should not have said that."

Sorry to maybe bore you with this anymore but it just keeps going on for me. At least it wasn't the nightmare that I actually lived!

Hi Robert,
I'm sorry you are still having reactions to that awful situation you endured! But, it's to be expected for a little longer since it was so terrifying for you. Just keep praying about it and I will too. God will see you through all of this and put it behind you. Life will be enjoyable again and the bad dreams will go away. Just remember, those awful people are gone from your nice apartment building! No, you didn't bore me with this episode. That's what this forum is for. To share our concerns and problems so we can try and help each other.
PML

PML: Thank you so much again. It's been a little over 2 weeks since the men left. The building I live in and neighborhood are so quiet and peaceful now. The prayers were answered!

I went for an hour walk today and when I came back I had no fear walking to the building. I am still being very aware though of whose around here.