Are you the victim of a violent crime?
People who have been the victims of violent crime have to live with the consequences long after the crime has been committed.
If you are a victim, you may feel that you are 'taking it too hard'. Others may tell you that any 'normal person' would be 'over it' by now.
Your reactions are a normal and natural way to respond to an abnormal and shocking event like violent crime.
The way people respond are like the people themselves - varied and individual.
Being aware of some common reactions may help you be better prepared.
Being a victim of violent crime may lead to:
- slowed thinking
- difficulty making decisions
- confusion
- difficulty concentrating
- memory problems
- reliving the event over and over
- distressing dreams
Physical side effects include:
- nausea
- trembling
- feeling uncoordinated
- profuse sweating
- dizziness
- headaches
- high blood pressure
- diarrhoea
- sleep disturbances
- loss of appetite
Your emotions may also be effected. You may feel:
- anxious
- fearful
- guilty
- grief
- depressed
- angry
- isolated
- shocked
- numb
- ashamed
- panic
- alienated
Many victims find that symptoms can emerge and stay for a long time after the actual event.
Tips to help the healing process
- Try resting more and avoid stressful situations.
- Contact close, trusted friends and tell them how you're feeling.
- Try to get your life into a schedule or routine.
- Eat well balanced regular meals.
- Don't allow yourself to get bored.
- Try to get some light exercise each day.
- Make small decisions on a daily basis - it may help you get a sense of control in your life.
- Remember that you will have good days and bad days, but with time comes healing.
- Take it at your own pace.