Being a victim of a criminal attack: how to cope with the trauma

Being a victim of a criminal attack can leave deep psychological wounds that create long-term trauma. Victims struggle with intense feelings and a mix of emotions and intrusive thoughts that make life harder, and it seems like it is impossible to recover. Victims of tragic events often feel helpless, experience intense fear, and even severe depression, anxiety, and PTS, which have long-term effects on the mental health of individuals. There are various types of criminal attacks; the most common ones are physical assaults, robbery, sexual assault, stalking, and harassment, which can all leave a deep traumatic impact on the victims. It’s crucial to understand your emotions and take immediate action, consult a specialist who can provide you with efficient care, and take legal action. So, if you have experienced this terrible event in your life, in this article, we can help you identify the most efficient ways to cope with the trauma and regain control over your life:

Prioritise your mental health 

After the tragic event, you may face many emotions and feelings, and managing them can feel like a real nightmare. Still, it’s crucial to prioritise your mental health and take immediate action to heal your mind. Avoid self-isolation, and try to talk about what happened with your family and loved ones; consider therapy as the safest option to regain strength and take legal action. Connecting with therapists who specialise in traumas can be an efficient way to manage the symptoms and reduce the impact of the memories; also, consider joining support groups where you can feel emotionally validated and understood by people who have been facing the same situation. Moreover, remember to allow yourself to feel. Embracing your emotions and releasing them is the best way to prevent further overwhelming mental challenges that could become chronic diseases. As a victim of a traumatic event, your daily life is disrupted, but try to set small goals daily and focus on the healing process by taking small steps. 

Take legal action 

Frustration and anger are other predominant emotions you can feel as a victim of a criminal attack, but there is always something that may stop you from going on: fear. You should not blame yourself for what you’ve been going through, and it’s crucial to take legal action to prevent other risky situations for other victims and yourself. Taking legal action against the criminal act can be a great way to regain your confidence and feel powerful. So, If you have experienced physical or mental injuries, a team of experts at https://www.compensationcalculatoruk.co.uk/criminal-injuries-compensation-calculator/can help you get compensated for the incident, taking your case to court and executing your rights as a victim. 

Try self-defence classes 

Self-defence classes are highly recommended for victims of criminal acts. They can be an impactful way to regain control over your body and mind, release emotions and gain confidence. Self-defence classes are a therapeutic experience for crime survivors, and you can develop new skills tha can help you protect yourself and others in any dangerous situation. For emotional support, it would be best to take with you someone you trust, who can help you be more secure and feel safe. 

Join a support group 

Support groups are often recommended by therapists for victims of trauma, as it can be a great way to step outside the world and tell your story to people who have experienced a similar situation. You can develop new coping methods from other people, and even boost your social skills and make friends, understanding that you are not alone. This type of connection with other people can significantly increase your motivation to change your life and regain control over it, and you can gain a sense of purpose, which can be very fulfilling. However, remember that sharing your story is not mandatory from the first meetings; you can just sit down and listen to others, learn from their perspective, and then speak up whenever you feel ready to talk about yourself and what you have been through. 

Talk to your loved ones 

Nothing compares to the emotional support provided by your loved ones, as they really care about you, and they will do their best to be by your side to get over the traumatic event in your life. Many victims of criminal attacks tend to isolate themselves because of the fear of not being understood and intrusive thoughts that may make them believe no one can actually listen to them. Still, talking with your closest friends and family can make you feel safe, as they can reassure you that you are not alone and validate your emotions completely, creating a comfortable space where you can express your thoughts and feelings and let everything out. 

Establish a routine 

At this point, your life might feel chaotic, but in order to regain your strength, it’s essential to establish a routine and get back to your normal habits, introducing some new steps beneficial for your healing. Make sure you attend all your therapy sessions, support group meetings, and doctor’s appointments, and consider the specialists’ advice. To relax your mind, consider starting a new sport or going to the gym, and eat a healthy and balanced diet, which can significantly boost your mental health and support your healing process. Try to sleep early and wake up even earlier than usual so you have enough energy to face your day and accomplish the small goals and tasks that can help you feel proud of yourself. 

The bottom line 

We hope this article encourages you to embrace your emotions and cope with your trauma step by step. Remember that you are not alone; the people you choose to work with at a professional level and your dearest ones provide you with the support you need to heal, feel safe, and regain control over your life with confidence.