Relentless fear after being robbed at gunpoint

After Christmas shopping two weeks ago, my husband and I were robbed when we were getting out of our van in front of our home. Two men came up beside the van and held guns to our heads. They said: "Give me your money, or I'll kill you." I resisted until one of them shot his gun at me. Luckily, he missed. Knowing he meant business, I threw him my purse and said, "There you have it. Go!" And they took off with my money, credit cards, checks, and personal items.

I think they'd seen us leave earlier and hid in a dark stairwell across the street, waiting for us to return.

Ever since the robbery, I've lived in absolute fear. I no longer feel safe in my home. The police thought it was a random act and doubts the thieves will return, but I'm not so sure.

There's a government housing complex across the street, which is the heart of crime in the city, and I'm afraid those men live there and are watching us. Odd men in hoodies, whom I believe were part of a gang, had been gathering over there for the past month.

Even so, we weren't too worried as we've lived in our home for 22 years and have never had something like that happen. They've always left us alone.

Though I never carry cash, on the night of the robbery, I had $400.00 on me, which I'd intended to give my kids for Christmas. Since they got a lot of cash from us, I worry that the thieves may think that if they hit us again, it would pay off.

We've since installed a security system in our home and have taken other measures to secure our property, but I'm still terrified, especially when I'm here alone.

I've been afraid to run the dishwasher or washer out of fear that I won't hear someone break in. I sleep in my clothes with my shoes on in case I have to make a quick escape. I'm irritable and on edge all the time. I find little joy in anything. I'm having a difficult time working on important projects.

My friends say this will pass soon, but I'm not so sure.

Do you have any suggestions in dealing with something like this? Also, do you think it's likely that these men will return? Do armed robbers usually strike twice?