Arrests and everything that comes after can be a traumatic and stressful experience especially if it is something that goes on for months on end. It’s important to know that it is a temporary situation but in the meantime, anyone should make it a priority to do everything possible to keep stress and anxiety low. Here are some effective things that will help make the time in waiting manageable.
Take it one day at a time
Since cases can take months, it can be easy to get caught up with a looming worry and especially in the beginning, it can be overwhelming the amount of paperwork and things that need to be done. However, it can really help with anxiety to stay mindful and focus on one task or one day at a time. Make a checklist of what needs to be done that day and only focus on what you are doing then. By chipping away at all the things that need to be accomplished you are building momentum without having to feel like there is an entire mountain you need to climb to get to the other side.
Keep compliant with bond conditions
Bond conditions are a certain set of rules that are attached to a bond and must be followed in order to stay compliant with the parameters of the bond. These rules can vary but common conditions include drug testing, check-ins with pre-trial officers, mandatory employment seeking if unemployed, or keeping your current employment if you are. In some cases, such as domestic violence charges, there can be an automatic can from contact as well. Not only is it vital to keep up with these conditions so that you don’t have the extra worry of consequences, but in reality, not staying in compliance can lead to a rejection of bond and possible further charges tacked on top.
Look back at the whole experience with insight
During all challenging times, it can be hard to see a silver lining but in hindsight, good things can come from any hard experience. It may take some time to get there but at some point, you may be able to look back on the experience of getting arrested and gain something from it. Whether it be insight or even some type of turning point, the most difficult situations often create the biggest shifts in how the future will unfold.
This too shall pass
The final thing to remember is that as said before, this may be a hard time but it is temporary. If you can keep focused and just push through, most likely a year from now the whole experience will just be a memory.
