Criminal charges are the worst thing you may face, and being innocent makes them even scarier. You can imagine the fear of landing behind bars only because you may not be able to prove your innocence. The stress of social stigma, damaged relationships, and loss of professional reputation can be even harder to handle. Not surprisingly, people facing false criminal charges struggle with mental health issues.
Some may even fall prey to severe issues like insomnia, PTSD, and depression. But you cannot let the situation take hold of your sanity. Fighting back and proving your innocence is the only way to survive. Fortunately, you can do your bit to get through the trauma and emerge as a winner. Here are some self-care tips to stay sane while facing false criminal charges.
Slow down and regain control
A false accusation can invoke several negative emotions, from anger to anxiety, sadness, and fear. These emotions may trigger a strong threat response, with reactions like high heart rate and blood pressure. You may want to confront the accuser and get back at them for spreading rumors. But the best way to manage the urge is by slowing down and regaining control instead of acting on impulse. A confrontation can land you in a problem as the accuser can use your anger against you in court. Moreover, anger hurts your sanity and clouds your judgment. Breathe deep and let the moment pass!
Identify your trigger
Something always seems to work in the background when you feel stressed amid your journey to prove your innocence. Identify the triggers that may be eating your mental peace. For example, you may worry about neighbors or colleagues talking about the allegations behind your back. The solution is to step out and narrate your side of the story. They may or may not believe it, but you no longer need to bother about the trigger again. Likewise, thinking that your partner may consider you unfaithful due to false assault charges is another trigger you may encounter. Confront them and convince them about your love to ditch the worry for good.
Build your defense
Although building your defense sounds more like legal advice, it is the best form of self-care to embrace while dealing with false criminal charges. Knowing that you have a way to prove your innocence keeps you sane through the crisis. Look for seasoned criminal defense attorneys dedicated to your case to get you a clean chit in court. Give them an honest narrative, provide evidence, and discuss the nitty-gritty of the case to help them build a robust defense. Also, remember not to give any statement to the police because they may coerce you into saying something you shouldn’t.
Build a support system
Building a support system is the key to maintaining your mental health during the most challenging times. Start with your partner and kids because their beliefs can help you stay positive, regardless of the traumatic situation. Besides getting your clan on your side, reach out to friends, neighbors, and community members. A genuine approach is often enough to convince people. Having a support system at your workplace is equally crucial. You may need colleagues to testify for you in court during the case. Their support can be valuable when you return to work after the acquittal.
Embrace mental wellness rituals
Another surefire self-care tip to deal with the stress of false criminal charges is to embrace mental wellness rituals. Start with a meditation session every morning to declutter your mind and start the day on a happy note. Journal your thoughts, step out for long walks, and spend time with loved ones. You can read motivational books and listen to soothing music to invoke mental peace. Also, pick a side hustle with a freelance project to keep yourself busy and make some money when away from work. Do not hesitate to see a therapist if the stress appears too much to handle alone.
Life may not be the same after false criminal charges, no matter how much you try to move on. The trauma may be too overbearing, and you may struggle to stay sane. Proving your innocence should be your top priority because it can get your mental health on track. But the fear of social stigma may haunt you for the long haul. You must get a hold of your emotions to regain control and start afresh. Believe in yourself and trust your support system to boost your self-esteem. Most importantly, embrace mental self-care as a way of life.
