Elevated heart rate. Racing thoughts. Fidgeting. Chest pain. Dry mouth. Difficulty swallowing. Losing sleep. Whether law enforcement comes to your home at 6 a.m. with a swat team to arrest you on a warrant, or whether you surrender voluntarily, being accused of a crime is absolutely terrifying and comes with some symptoms of anxiety that may be new to you. Take a deep breath. While there’s a lot to figure out when facing an arrest and/or criminal charges, all is not lost. Read on to discover our tips for dealing with the anxiety of being arrested so that you have the tools to move forward in the best way possible.
1. Therapy can help you process your feelings.
Talking with a therapist can be a great way to find relief, better understand your emotional state, and learn coping mechanisms to help you deal with what you are feeling. Keep in mind, however, that not everything you say is necessarily confidential. Talking about certain illegal activities may obligate your therapist to report you to police.
2. Take it one step at a time.
Thinking about the entirety of the legal process ahead of you can be really overwhelming. It may help you to focus on one step at a time. Any time you’re feeling particularly overwhelmed, make it your goal to simply do the next thing. A great first step is finding an attorney to represent you, someone with whom you can share your thoughts and feelings about your situation.
3. Breathe.
This sounds obvious, but it’s so easy to forget to take a breath when we’re upset about something. There are some great guided meditation apps that can lead you in deep breathing exercises. If you find one you like, this can be a great way to calm yourself down. Even taking several deep breaths can help calm your nerves. Go ahead, try it.
4. Find an attorney.
Connecting with the right attorney can take away some of the pressure you are feeling. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you more clearly understand your case and the wisest way to move forward. At Puglisi Law, we have helped countless clients move forward after an arrest. In addition to fighting for our clients, we also care for their emotional well-being. If you’re looking for guidance, we encourage you to contact us today.