Dealing with authority, in particular, the courts.

These wee tips have been put together to offer some self-care and self-management ideas for anyone who finds themselves anxious due to involvement with the court system.

We hope they help normalise the natural anxiety which can be experienced and perhaps some things which may help reduce that anxiety even a wee bit. These do not replace legal advice or any of the more specialist advice offered to people around the legal system and court appearances.
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There are many reasons why someone may find they attend court, and each of those reasons can bring with it levels of anxiety.

There are challenges in life where we feel anxious as we do not know what may happen next, and our imagination may paint pictures in our minds, which we find overwhelming. It matters if those thoughts are ever so overwhelming that you speak to someone. Remember, the Samaritans are there 24/7 Tel No 116 123.

If you, or someone you care about or are working with, find themselves anxious about a court appearance, we hope the following tips may be helpful. The sheet also offers other possible links and sources of support.

If we are facing a challenge, we need our energy.

Anxiety can be a motivator for us to do something to address the source of the anxiety but left unchecked, it can drain us, so we have nothing left to face what lies ahead. We are stronger than we often give ourselves credit for. Please don't let anxiety rob you of the energy you need to move forwards.

Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows but only empties today of its strength

Charles Spurgeon