Emotional Wellness Month

October is Emotional Wellness Month, a time to reflect, raise awareness and remove the stigma around discussions of mental health.

Emotional wellbeing has powerful effects on a person’s overall health. Stress can lead to effects such as lack of sleep, high blood pressure and even a weakened immune system. This is why it’s incredibly important to look after your mental health just as you would look after your physical health.

Being involved in a crime can have a negative impact on a person’s emotional wellbeing and mental health. Restorative Justice offers victims the opportunity to be heard, ask questions of the offender and have their say in the resolution of the harm caused. It also offers the chance for offenders to apologise, explain and make amends where possible. This can help both parties achieve closure and move on from the incident, reducing symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression and PTSD.

Nick, a victim of assault who experienced low mood, fear and anxiety following the incident, decided to take part in Restorative Justice. After speaking to trained practitioners he said, “being able to talk to you about this and be heard with no judgement was really therapeutic for me. I’ve felt better about it since.”

For offenders, Restorative Justice can help them come to terms with their behaviour, explain what was going on in their life at the time of the incident and give them the opportunity to apologise to the victim and the motivation to change their behaviour.

If your emotional wellbeing is suffering following the events of a crime and you think Restorative Justice could help, be sure to get in touch.