Getting charged with a crime is one of the most difficult events a person can endure. As a criminal defense lawyer can explain, getting arrested can negatively affect your mental health in several ways. Here are some of these psychological effects:

Stress

No matter what kind of crime you were charged with, it can be a stressful ordeal. While you’re at work or trying to fall asleep at night, the charge is on your mind. You are worried about the possibility of spending time in jail and having a criminal record. This can lead to a great deal of stress. Excessive stress can lead to various health issues, such as nausea, high blood pressure, bloating, and shortness of breath.

Loss of Independence

When you are accused of a crime, you may lose some of your privileges. For example, if you were charged with a DUI, the judge could suspend your driver’s license. You will have to rely on public transportation and family members to give you rides to work and other important places. As a result, you may feel a loss of independence and feel like you’ll never get out of your situation.

Depression

It’s not uncommon for people dealing with criminal charges to develop depression. They may be worried about how the charge will affect their future and feel ashamed for being in the situation. These individuals may constantly deal with negative thoughts and eventually isolate themselves from family and friends. They may stop participating in activities they once enjoyed and feel hopeless.

Guilt

Many people also feel guilty after getting charged with a crime. They may feel like they let everyone in their life down and are unsure if they can ever make it up to them. These people may have trouble forgiving themselves.

How a Lawyer Can Help

If you have been accused of a crime, one of the next things you should do is get in touch with a reputable criminal lawyer. A lawyer can thoroughly review your case and provide you with the best possible defense. He or she can also provide protection from the police and prevent you from making mistakes that could hurt your case. When you know you have a skilled criminal defense lawyer on your side, it may improve your mental well-being.