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Common
Symptoms Experienced Following Crime
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If
you have been robbed, burgled, assaulted, or have witnessed violence, you may
experience some, if not all, of the following
symptoms. These are common
reactions to abnormal events and as
normal as the swelling and discomfort that accompanies a
broken bone.
You
may experience:
A sense of guilt, which may be accompanied by crying (this
will seem strange and friends may not understand, but it is normal)
Decrease
in concentration (this is often experienced at work, and sometimes makes it
impossible to return to work)
Loss
of short-term memory (you may find it difficult to follow a
conversation, or even remember a question you have just been asked)
Decrease
in general self-confidence (you may feel you are unable to go out, or
manage your usual daily routine)
Spontaneous
flashbacks (without warning you suddenly find yourself reliving the
experience of your attack)
Inappropriate
sense of fear (the fear can be enormous and you can feel ill from
it)
Insomnia
(the inability to sleep)
Nightmares
Eating
habits change (you may find that you are unable to eat as previously
Panic
attacks (for no reason you may suddenly find yourself terrified, and
your heart pounding)
If
you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, remember that your
reaction is quite normal and try not to worry. If
you would like someone to talk to about your experiences, staff and
volunteers at Victim Support Lambeth are readily available to help.
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