Navigating Legal Matters: Strategies To Alleviate Stress and Anxiety
It is often said that nothing is certain in life except for death and taxes. We’d like to add a couple of items to the list: stress and its close cousin anxiety.
We should probably start by reminding everyone that stress is not inherently bad, although it usually has a negative connotation.
Scientists explain that stress is actually useful in certain circumstances and the right amount. This is called eustress and it kicks in when one engages in exciting and positive challenges.
It’s the type of stress that increases your energy levels, motivation, and concentration. On the other hand, being stressed out is not something to be proud of or strive for either (we’re looking at you, workaholics and overachievers).
So, far from being a dreadful sentence or some strange way to prove oneself and earn external validation, stress is simply a reality no one can avoid.
The sources of stress are multiple and varied. Work, family matters, financial hardship, medical issues, and all sorts of unexpected or challenging events can lead to stressful experiences.
The problem occurs when stress ceases to be a healthy temporary reaction to outside factors and turns into a chronic issue that seeps into every aspect of life.
Regardless of the source, all types of stress can trigger serious consequences if left unchecked, and there’s one situation in particular that is guaranteed to spike your stress levels beyond normal limits, namely legal issues.
How Legal Issues Can Affect Your Health and Well-Being
Legal matters are known to cause a lot of stress and anxiety. If you’ve ever been in a legal dispute or had to file a claim, you already know that dealing with legal proceedings is not exactly a walk in the park.
The process is often daunting and intimidating and can cause one to experience all sorts of negative reactions.
The stress that comes along can manifest through psychological symptoms such as nervousness, constant worry insomnia, irritability, and internal tension, as well as physical symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, excessive fatigue, chest pain, etc.
Stats provided by the Legal Australia-Wide (LAW) Survey can help us better understand the extent to which legal issues can affect one’s life and well-being and the consequences to be expected.
The study reveals that 29% of participants reported experiencing income loss or financial strain, while 20% suffered from stress-related illness.
Ill physical health was another effect cited by 19% of respondents, followed by relationship breakdown (10%). Even when dealing with minor or manageable legal issues, people can still feel anxious and stressed out.
That’s because the legal system is extremely complex and difficult to navigate for someone who doesn’t have any experience or knowledge in this field, so it’s no surprise that people dread legal matters.
Coping With Stress From Legal Matters
While the stress and anxiety associated with legal issues are inevitable, they can be managed and kept within normal limits so you can avoid many of the adverse consequences.
Stay Informed
“A problem well-defined is a problem half solved” is a quote that can be applied in many situations and also stands true in this case.
When a legal issue comes your way, it’s necessary to define it and for that, you have to understand it so you can find the solution.
That’s why it’s necessary to educate yourself and learn how the law works by doing a bit of research on the problem you’re dealing with.
You can find plenty of information online, read legal books and articles, check out a how to sue guide, attend workshops on legal topics that are relevant to you, or even take online courses.
Being informed, knowing your options and the steps you need to take to solve a legal matter will make you feel more in control and that can lower your stress levels considerably.
Get The Right Legal Aid and Council
Many people don’t like the idea of consulting or hiring a lawyer due to the high fees they charge. However, the knowledge and information you accumulate through research can’t always replace the skills and experience that a lawyer possesses.
Legal representation is a must in certain situations when dealing with more complex issues. Working with a reputable legal professional is the best way to settle the matter as smoothly and quickly as possible.
Having a good lawyer by your side is not only going to make the process easier for you but is also going to provide reassurance and peace of mind.
Stay Active
Don’t put your life on pause just because you’re faced with a pressing legal issue. Although you can’t act as if nothing’s happening, the best thing you can do for your mind and body is to go on with your life and continue to focus on the things that make you feel good.
Allow yourself to disconnect and take a break from constantly worrying about the issues you’re dealing with. Thinking about a problem incessantly isn’t going to help you solve it faster.
But staying active, enjoying your hobbies, and taking care of your mental and physical health will surely help.
Rely on Your Support System
The people in your life can be of great help during these times. It can be difficult to go through a legal battle on your own, so the support you receive from friends and family is truly invaluable. They can listen to your concerns and provide the peace and comfort you need.
However, if your stress levels become unmanageable and you can’t seem to find a solution for it, it might be best to seek professional help and talk to a therapist or a mental health specialist about your problem.
Final Thoughts
It’s not easy to handle legal matters and the stress and anxiety that come along can make matters even worse, but remember you don’t have to be alone in this struggle. Make sure you take early action to manage stress effectively so you can get back to your normal life as fast as possible.
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