If you are looking for the most effective emotional managers in the world, look no further than ‘professional’ criminals. These are the group of people who have faced interrogation teams at different places and times that they have developed resistance in all fronts against them. Unlike people who are just accused for the first time who usually blow their lawyer’s phone with frequent calls or send long, multi-question emails because they are not managing their emotions and want the lawyer to comfort them with reassurance. Stephen Cobb notes that comfort sessions don’t help people. Normally, criminals detach themselves from productivity whenever they have a legal case they are battling with. This gives them control over their emotions instead of being depressed.
As David rightly noted, dealing with a criminal charge can be extremely stressful. Mainly, being unfamiliar with the legal system increases the stress, especially when people think of the possibility of jail time. Mismanaged stress often leads to physical and emotional damage. In fact, it would make the interrogation process very messy because such a suspect loses balance and say more implicating things, even if they are not true. However, ‘professional’ or hardened criminals are mentally strong and that helps them in managing stress properly.
They accept that stress is part of life: While some people waste time and energy thinking things like, “I shouldn’t have to deal with this,” mentally strong people know that setbacks, problems, and hardships are inevitable. When stressful situations arise, they devote their efforts into doing what they can to move forward. Even when they can’t change the circumstances, they know they can always take steps to improve their lives. This is the first attribute that is noticeable in criminals. They are not trapped down to a single, hopeless and un-assuring situation. Instead, they will rather think of life in prison or what next to do after being released (Morin, 2015).
They keep problems in proper perspective: Rather than think that a flat tire has the power to ruin their whole day, mentally strong people keep inconveniences in proper perspective. So, instead of thinking that a single case is capable of ending their ambitious life, criminals think less of that situation and focus on what will actually make them happy. When tempted to catastrophize a minor event — such as thinking one mistake could ruin their whole career — they respond by reframing the message they give themselves and refuse to allow a pessimistic inner monologue to take hold (Morin, 2015).
They take care of their physical health: Mentally strong people recognize the importance of keeping their bodies in smooth operating condition. They recognize they won’t be able to combat stress if they’re worn out and running on empty. They exercise, get plenty of sleep, and maintain a diet that keeps them healthy. Even when battling with a case, hardened criminals will not lose sleep for that sole reason. They know the need for their body and soul to be in good health and this will make them sacrifice whatever it will take to be in a perfect health (Morin, 2015).
They choose healthy coping skills: While some people turn to alcohol, junk food, or other unhealthy vices to help them escape stress, criminals who are mentally strong cope with discomfort in a productive manner. They allow themselves to feel uncomfortable emotions like anxiety, fear, and sadness head-on. They use healthy activities, like going for a walk or participating in a hobby, to cope with emotional pain. They don’t confine themselves to a place which will spur up their thoughts and make them feel the biting taste of the pain (Morin, 2015).
They acknowledge their choices: Stress can cause people to feel like victims of bad circumstances. Mentally strong people acknowledge that everything they do, from the time they wake up until the time they go to sleep, is a choice. They’re willing to say no to things they don’t want to do and they accept responsibility for their behavior. Even if they are accused of committing murder, they see it as what they intentionally do rather than what occurred unknowingly. This means they are usually prepared for the end right from the beginning (Morin, 2015).
They look for silver lining: Criminals that are mentally strong don’t necessarily see the world through rose-colored glasses—they have a realistic outlook—but they do look for the silver lining in tough circumstances. They recognize that good things can come from stressful situations. Rather than allowing hardship to turn them into bitter people or helpless victims, they choose to use stressful circumstances to become stronger and better. For instance, they know that if they should scale through that threatening situation, they will get to arm themselves with the weaponry of ways in which detectives behave. So, they would have known different perspectives employed by law enforcement agents and when next they fall into the same trap, they just tap into old memories and have an easy sail (Morin, 2015).
Before I conclude, let me have a sharp shift from what I’ve been discussing since morning. The fact is that sometimes, we all find ourselves in problems once in a while when we least dream of them. Perhaps, the accusations are untrue, and you are outraged at having to grapple with the uncertainty of it all. Worse, you have to pay an attorney to defend you. In this life, unfairness and injustice visits us all. With so much of this feeling beyond your control your anxiety intensifies, threatening to override your judgment. You cannot worry your way out of being prosecuted – or any other frightening predicament. Reassurance is no antidote to anxiety. Seeking reassurance, either from your lawyer or anyone else, is not going to allay your fears. It’s only a form of running from them. When we run from our fears, they only grow more menacing (Mahoney, 2018)
To combat your fears, develop an attitude of indomitability. Neither the prosecutor nor anyone else can break you. Cultivate contempt for your adversary and any consequences. Relish this opportunity, for it may be the only occasion life affords you the chance to exhibit something special – true courage (Mahoney, 2018).
References
Cobb, S (2018). Coping with Stress During Criminal Prosecution. Retrieved from https://www.cobblawfirm.com/coping-with-stress-during-criminal-prosecution/
David, O (2017). Healthy Techniques to Deal with Stress when Facing a Criminal Charge. Retrieved from http://davidodefense.com/stress-criminal-charge/
Mahoney, K (2018). Coping with the Stress of Prosecution. Retrieved from https://www.relentlessdefense.com/what-should-i-do/coping-with-stress-of-prosecution/
Morin, A (2015). 7 Ways Mentally Strong People Deal with Stress. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/201507/7-ways-mentally-strong-people-deal-stress
Images are from: https://www.freepik.com/, https://www.pexels.com/ (C) 2022, Alan Elangovan, All Copy Rights Reserved.