Understanding the Criminal Justice System
It’s normal for people facing an Indiana criminal charge to struggle with anxiety. On top of facing an uncertain future, you may be feeling crushed by societal judgment, the disappointment of your loved ones, the fear losing your job, or the shock of finding yourself in this situation. Everything seems beyond your control, and the strain carrying on as usual may feel exhausting.
If you or someone you love is suffering from such feelings of anxiety, it’s time to take action. Having a strong and courageous mental attitude plays a critical role in building your defense. In fighting the charges against you, it’s crucial to be sharp and focused. Here are five steps you can take to deal with anxiety as you deal with your criminal charges.
1. Seek professional help. Anxiety isn’t just “in your head,” but a real health issue. A professional therapist can help you understand and combat debilitating anxiety. Like your Indiana criminal defense attorney, a therapist has an ethical duty to keep conversations confidential.
2. Find support. You might be keeping your anxiety to yourself because you feel ashamed of your legal troubles. But friends or family may be more supportive than you think. If loyal friends and family have offered a helping hand, don’t turn away from them. You may also find support from religious leaders or a support group of people in your position.
3. Exercise. Scientific studies have shown that exercise reduces anxiety and stress. Even though you’re busy preparing your legal case, find the time to hit the gym, go for a run, play your favorite sport, or even take a long walk.
4. Meditate. Meditation, particularly mindfulness meditation, can also offer significant benefits for anxiety. Meditation involves learning to acknowledge your feelings without judging them and keeping your thoughts in the present. If you’ve never meditated before, you may want to use an app, such as Calm or Headspace, which offer guided meditations.
5. Acknowledge mistakes. If your actions contributed to your situation, be brave: acknowledge your wrongdoings and commit to doing better. Everyone makes mistakes, but the smart person doesn’t make the same mistake twice.
