Coping After Crime – Tyneside Mind

Experiencing a crime can have a profound impact on your physical and mental health. It’s common to notice changes in your thoughts, feelings, or behaviour. You may react differently in certain situations or around others—but it’s important to know that this is a normal part of recovery.

This guide explains some of the common responses to crime to help you and those around you understand what you’re experiencing. Everyone reacts differently depending on the type of crime, their past experiences, and current situation. There is no right or wrong way to respond.

Common Behavioural Changes

Sleep problems: Trouble falling/staying asleep or having nightmares

Hyper-vigilance: Feeling on edge or “on guard” constantly

Hyper-alertness: Jumpiness at sounds or movement

Social withdrawal: Avoiding work, school, gym, or social settings

Changes in eating habits: Eating more or less, or at odd times

Unhealthy coping: Increased use of alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs

Relationship changes: Needing more or less contact with others

Work/school issues: Difficulty focusing, meeting deadlines, or overworking

Low energy/motivation: Feeling drained or lacking drive

Common Emotional Responses

You might find yourself feeling more:

Fearful

Anxious or panicked

Angry or vengeful

Vulnerable or overwhelmed

Confused or tearful

Numb or withdrawn

Isolated

Indecisive or lacking confidence

Self-blaming or doubtful

Suspicious

Emotionally up and down

These reactions can feel unpleasant and overwhelming—but they are completely normal.

Monitoring Your Recovery

You might notice symptoms or feelings that aren’t listed here. That’s okay. Try to be aware of changes in your behaviour and write them down. Rating them on a scale of 1 to 10 can help track progress over time.⏳ Recovery can take time. If you feel you’re not improving or your symptoms are worsening, please contact your GP or a support service—like ours—for further help.

What Happens After Trauma

When we experience a crime or traumatic incident, our nervous system enters high alert. It needs time to process the trauma. Most people will find their symptoms decrease over time as the body and mind recover.

For further information, you can access:

🧠 [Anxiety Worksheet] (Insert link here)

📘 Coping After a Traumatic Event – Royal College of Psychiatrists

Normal Trauma Response vs PTSD

Normal Trauma Symptoms	PTSD Symptoms
Feel anxious, sad, or irritable	Flashbacks or intrusive memories
Trouble sleeping or nightmares	Avoiding reminders of the trauma
Feeling numb or disconnected	Constant hypervigilance
Intrusive thoughts (but manageable)	Severe mood swings or dissociation

The key difference: Trauma symptoms usually decrease with time. PTSD symptoms persist or worsen and may impact daily life. If that’s the case, professional support is strongly recommended.

Typical Reactions to Crime

Emotional: Shock, fear, anger, sadness, guilt, shame

Cognitive: Flashbacks, difficulty concentrating, denial, disorientation

Physical: Fatigue, insomnia, appetite changes, headaches, tension

Behavioural: Withdrawal, avoidance, substance use, hypervigilance

Long-Term (for some): PTSD, depression, panic attacks, trust issues, ongoing fear

Helpful Coping Strategies

Mental & Emotional

Acknowledge your feelings — all of them are valid.

Talk to someone you trust — you’re not alone.

Avoid self-blame — what happened was not your fault.

Keep a journal — writing helps with processing and tracking change.

Physical & Sensory

Try grounding exercises e.g., 5-4-3-2-1 sensory method

Deep breathing: inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 6

Gentle movement — walking, stretching, light activity

Prioritize rest and nutrition — even small steps matter

Behavioural & Practical

Create a sense of safety — adjust your surroundings to feel secure

Start a simple routine — structure can bring comfort

Limit media exposure — especially triggering content

Professional Support

Talk to a therapist — especially someone trained in trauma

Reach out to services — local support groups, support lines, or counselling centres can help

Healing isn’t linear. It’s okay to have good days and bad days. The goal isn’t to forget what happened—but to find ways to feel safe, empowered, and strong again.

Common Reactions in Children

Regression: Returning to earlier behaviours (e.g., bedwetting, thumb-sucking)

Separation anxiety: Becoming clingy or afraid to be away from parents/carers

Changes in play: Re-enacting the event through drawing or pretend play

Sleep disturbances: Nightmares, fear of the dark, difficulty sleeping alone

Irritability or aggression: Outbursts or defiance not typical for them

Withdrawal: Loss of interest in friends, school, or favourite activities

Physical symptoms: Stomach aches, headaches, or complaints with no clear cause

Support Tips for Parents/Carers

Offer reassurance and routine — predictability helps children feel safe.

Listen without pressure — let them talk (or not talk) in their own time.

Use age-appropriate language — help them make sense of what happened.

Watch for behaviour changes — they may show distress more than verbalise it.

Get professional support — child therapists or school counsellors can offer guidance.

If you’re concerned about a child or young person’s wellbeing, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Early support can make a big difference in their recovery.

Helping Children Cope After Experiencing or Witnessing a Crime

Children and young people may react to crime in very different ways depending on their age, personality, and what happened. This guide helps parents, carers, and trusted adults recognise signs of distress, respond supportively, and know when to seek help.

💬 How Might My Child React?

Children may not always say how they’re feeling—but their behaviour can speak volumes. Some common responses include:

Age Group	Possible Reactions
Young children (under 7)	Bedwetting, clinginess, tantrums, nightmares, stomach aches, acting out the event in play
Primary-aged children	Trouble concentrating, fear of being alone, questions about safety or death, regressions
Teenagers	Anger, withdrawal, changes in eating/sleeping, risk-taking, reluctance to talk, anxiety about future

🔍 Tip: Try not to dismiss “odd” behaviour—these can be signs of emotional overwhelm, not just “bad behaviour”.

🛠️ What Can I Do to Help?

1. Create a Safe Environment

Stick to familiar routines (meals, bedtime, school).

Avoid big changes if possible.

Be patient if they’re more clingy or emotional.

2. Encourage Expression

Let them draw, talk, write, or play to process emotions.

Don’t force them to talk—but be ready when they’re ready.

3. Reassure Gently

Use age-appropriate language to explain what happened.

Emphasise: “You are safe now” and “This was not your fault.”

4. Be a Calm Role Model

It’s okay to show emotions, but try to stay calm and steady.

Children take emotional cues from trusted adults.

5. Limit Media Exposure

Avoid letting them overhear adult conversations or see upsetting news related to the crime.

🧠 When to Get Extra Support

Consider professional help (GP, school counsellor, or child therapist) if your child:

Has persistent nightmares or sleep issues

Shows extreme anxiety or clinginess

Is increasingly angry, withdrawn, or defiant

Talks about hurting themselves or others

Seems emotionally numb or disconnected

Isn’t improving after a few weeks

📞 Don’t wait for a “crisis” to reach out. Early support can make a big difference.

📝 Simple Ways to Check In

Use these prompts during quiet moments (e.g., bedtime, drawing time, car rides):

“What was the best and worst part of today?”

“If your feelings were like the weather, what would today be?”

“Anything you’re feeling worried or confused about?”

🧸 Resources You Can Use

Childline – 0800 1111 / childline.org.uk

YoungMinds – youngminds.org.uk

NSPCC – Support for children, parents, and professionals

👪 You don’t have to have all the answers. Just being present, patient, and loving helps your child feel secure enough to heal.