How Does Being Arrested Affect Your Mental Health?

August 12, 2022
2 mins read

A study in 2016 found that nearly 60% of people who had been arrested reported experiencing symptoms of PTSD. This is not surprising when you consider the trauma of being handcuffed, placed in the back of a police car, and booked into jail. Even if you are ultimately cleared of any charges, the experience of being arrested can have a lasting impact on your mental health. Keep reading to learn more about how being arrested can affect your mental health and what you can do to cope with the aftermath of an arrest. It’s also important to note that finding yourself a good lawyer, such as a Calgary drug offences lawyer, is essential after an arrest. 

It can lead to post-traumatic stress.

How Does Being Arrested Affect Your Mental Health?

Police arrests can be extremely frightening and overwhelming experiences, especially if they are unexpected. For some people, this can lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a type of anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. Symptoms can include flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and severe anxiety. People with PTSD may avoid anything that reminds them of the traumatic event, have difficulty sleeping, and constantly feel on edge. PTSD is a very real and serious condition, and it is important to seek help if you are experiencing these symptoms. Treatment options include therapy and medication. If you have been arrested and are experiencing symptoms of PTSD, please seek help from a qualified professional, such as mental health therapy in Los Angeles.

It can lead to anxiety.

Anxiety after being arrested can be a common reaction for many people. It’s normal to feel a range of intense emotions after an arrest, including fear, confusion, and shock. You may also experience anxiety and panic attacks. This is especially common if you’ve never been arrested before and you’re not sure what to expect. The uncertainty and fear that comes with an arrest can be overwhelming. You may feel like you’re in a state of chaos and have no control over what’s happening. This can lead to intense anxiety and panic attacks. There are a few things that may contribute to anxiety after being arrested:

  1. You may feel like you’re in danger. When you’re arrested, you’re taken into custody by the police. This can feel like a very frightening experience, especially if you don’t know what’s going to happen next. You may worry that you’re going to be hurt or that you’ll be sent to prison.
  2. You may feel like you’re being judged. When you’re arrested, you’re immediately seen as a criminal by the police and the public. This can lead to a sense of shame and humiliation. You may feel like you’re being judged and that you’re not good enough.
  3. You may feel like you’re powerless. You’re not in control of what’s happening, and you have to rely on the police to tell you what’s going on. This can be very frustrating and lead to feelings of anxiety and panic.

It can lead to depression and self-hate.

How Does Being Arrested Affect Your Mental Health?

There are many reasons why someone might experience depression and self-hate after being arrested. One reason might be that the person feels like they have let themselves and their loved ones down. They may feel as though they have failed in their role as a parent, partner, or friend. They may also feel as though they have let themselves down and are not capable of living up to their own standards. Another reason someone might experience depression and self-hate after being arrested is the stigma associated with the criminal justice system. This stigma can lead to feelings of shame and isolation. The person may feel like they are not worthy of respect or support from their loved ones. Finally, someone might experience depression and self-hate after being arrested because of the fear of the future. They may be worried about the consequences of their arrest and how it will impact their life. They may feel like they are a criminal and that their life is now over. This can lead to a feeling of hopelessness and despair.

Overall, being arrested can have a serious impact on an individual’s mental health. The experience can be extremely traumatic and lead to a range of psychological issues, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.


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