Dealing with Negative Emotions after a DUI
A DUI arrest can have so many impacts on a person’s life that it often takes a village to set things straight again. Many people report feelings of sadness, depression, anger, and shame following a DUI arrest. Some people experience isolation from family and friends. They may be too ashamed of their mistake to seek support, help, or even the company of others. These feelings are all completely normal after a DUI arrest and, while things may seem bleak right now, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and there are actions you can take to try to mitigate the negative emotions plaguing you.
Common Negative Thoughts and Questions After a DUI Arrest
It’s nearly impossible to control where your mind wanders at a time like this. You might be feeling like someone who has nothing to show for himself, someone who should not be considered a role model, and, if you have kids, you might be questioning the examples you’re setting for your children. It’s important to try to shift your focus away from these negative thoughts so you can interrupt the spiral of anger, self-doubt, and depression that typically follows.
You may also have an extensive list of questions following your DUI arrest, such as:
- Will my arrest be reported in the local news?
- Will my employer find out about my DUI arrest?
- Will my DUI affect my job?
- Will my DUI affect custody of my children?
- How will my DUI affect my children?
- Can I still drive?
- How will I get to work after a license suspension?
- Will I go to jail?
…and a million others until your head is swimming with uneasy thoughts and genuine concerns. Talking your arrest over with a DUI lawyer will put many of your immediate worries at ease.
Unforeseen Impact of a DUI Arrest and Trial
Nearly every person arrested for DUI claims that the arrest itself leads to many more struggles and much more emotional pain than they could have ever imagined. People suffer considerably after a DUI charge. They may suffer mentally, financially, socially, and professionally as they tackle the effects and stigma surrounding a DUI in their day-to-day lives.
It can take several weeks to months to move past the negative emotions tied to a DUI and start feeling like oneself again. Getting back to a sense of normalcy is often an uphill battle that requires strength, diligence, and support from loved ones and professionals. If you’re feeling hopeless or dejected, it’s crucial to reach out to others for help and know that you aren’t alone at what may be the most challenging time in your life thus far.
Surviving a DUI Charge
It can take what seems like forever before you start to feel back in control of your life after a DUI charge. As with anything in life, it takes time to adjust. After repeated unpleasant situations due to your DUI, you will gradually feel the shock and hurt wither away. You can take several measures to keep your chin up and regain your confidence.
Work with a Compassionate Legal Team
The first step in regaining control over your life is to work with a compassionate legal team who is determined to defend you. There may be several pieces of evidence that show your DUI stop was illegal or that the breath test you took faltered. Professionals with The Umansky Law Firm work diligently to challenge the charges you face and preserve your reputation. Your odds of your case being dropped are significantly higher with an experienced law firm protecting your interests.
Volunteer and Help Others
It might be hard to force yourself to get out of the house but reconnecting with society and changing your environment will go a long way toward occupying your mind. Volunteering with local charities or causes you care about can reinstill a sense of purpose and boost your self-esteem. There are a surprising amount of mental health benefits associated with volunteering that could ward off depression, anxiety, and other negative emotions.
Seek Professional Psychological Help
A psychologist or other mental health professional can help you learn valuable techniques to reign in the negative thoughts clouding your mind and distorting your perception of yourself and the world around you. Psychological professionals provide essential services in a safe and non-judgmental environment that will boost your mental and physical well-being.
If you are showing signs of a diagnosable mental illness such as depression, a psychiatrist can prescribe medication that will help you manage your day-to-day life. Your health insurance may cover psychologist and psychiatrist visits, so give it a try.
View Your Situation as an Opportunity for Self-Improvement
Your arrest doesn’t have to drag you down. While you may have made a mistake, that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to lift yourself back up again. Your DUI is an opportunity to do better in life. Often, a person’s first DUI is a wakeup call to an underlying alcohol problem that is more severe than previously believed. Could this be your situation? Make a commitment to yourself and your family to make a positive change.
Enroll in DUI Classes
You might not think that you need to learn to abstain from drinking and driving, but DUI classes go far beyond teaching participants how drugs and alcohol impair a person’s driving abilities. DUI classes often:
- Provide an alcohol assessment to gauge the severity of your problems with drugs/alcohol
- Provide a psychological assessment
- Teach you how drugs and alcohol affect your ability to drive safely
- Show you how to avoid a future DUI
- Inform you of the legal and personal consequences of a DUI conviction
Above all, DUI classes provide an opportunity for you to join a support group. Sometimes, the largest benefit a person gains from these classes is simply connecting with others who have felt the force of a bad mistake.
Quality DUI Defense in Orlando You Can Trust
Take steps now to start resolving the issues that accompany a DUI in Orlando. While the results of the breath test are out of your control, as are other aspects of your case, you can apply these strategies to show the court that you are dedicated to improving yourself and avoiding a future DUI charge. Contact The Umansky Law Firm 24/7 for a free DUI consultation by calling our office or complete our contact form. We’re ready to help.
