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In the Witness Box

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Posted 7/31/2009 6:09 AM (GMT 0)
 

 Had a bad day yesterday

 Had to go to court and was called to the witness box

 Went through a really gruelling time at the end of which I felt like the criminal

 Later in the rest room I had a really bad panic attack

 Needless to say I have had a terrible night

 Trouble is I have to attend again to-day and almost certainly will get called to testify.

 

Posted 7/31/2009 7:07 AM (GMT 0)
Sloop, do you have any anti-anxiety meds that you can take to help you sleep and help maintain a sense of calm as you go through these court proceedings? I would suggest seeing a doctor and explaining your situation.

All the best,

Maz XX

Posted 7/31/2009 1:04 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with Maz. Maybe seeing your doctor and getting one of the fast acting meds will help to calm you. Sending healing thoughts your way.

Hugs
Gail*Nanners*
Posted 7/31/2009 1:12 PM (GMT 0)

Sloop,

I am sorry to hear you had to testify in court. I have done that one time and I do understand the anxiety that goes with it.  Try to block out all of the people in the courtroom except the attorney that is asking you the questions.  Just look at this person and take nice deep breathes.  Take your time in answering the questions  and know by dinner time tonight this will all be history.

If you have time to visit your Doctor please do so.  Remember one step at a time.  We are all here cheering you on.

I believe in you,

Kitt

Posted 7/31/2009 9:57 PM (GMT 0)
my goodness i can only imagine. but at least you know what is bringing it on and why. maybe you can tell yourself this and that soon it will be gone. its when the panic strikes for no reason and stays that scares me the worst .please listen to other posters and tell your md about what you are going through and you may also want to get a letter for the court as to your reactions on the stand may appear strange to others or should be stopped if you feel you just cant go on. prayers for you .
Posted 8/1/2009 3:07 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Sloop. I have been there!!!! Couple of years ago had jury duty--case was molestation. I thought my heart was going to explode out of my chest!!!! After all of the agonizing questions, and to tell a court room full of people that I had personal experience with this and a victim of a violent crime (before this, a handful of people knew my "story"), I had been randomly selected to sit on the jury. Needless to say, the lawyers on BOTH sides did not want me on the panel. I received another simmons two weeks ago, and my psychiatrist sent a letter to excuse me of jury duty, since I can't function under that much stress. Hope your Dr can give you meds as well. Hang in !!!!!!! wink
Posted 8/3/2009 8:59 PM (GMT 0)
Sloop,
I applaud your bravery and commitment to be in the witness box. There is a very strong chance that a jury trial is in the near future for the murder of my son. Family and friends suggest that I do not attend as they are concerned about what it will do to my mental and physical health. I have not even set foot in a courtroom, but from tv programs that I have watched I understand how emotionally depleting it can be. I am so torn in not knowing which would be more devastating, hearing the court proceedings, seeing the criminal, and reliving it or not going and living with the fact that I was not there to support my son. I know our situations are different, you being a witness and me being a bystander (even a victim if you will), just wanted to let you know that I respect your situation and pray that God gives you strength during this time.

-soul
Posted 8/6/2009 7:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Mazfire,Nanners,kitt,Nanas4,Lexus Lady and anxious Soul

Many ,many thanks for all your support and comments , it was greatly appreciated.

In truth I did not sleep well ,but I went back in that court determined not to be beaten, either by panic or by the lawyer.

I acquitted myself well according to the solicitor. This has given me a great fortitude for the future.

I am delaying seeking medical help and trying to build on this new found confidence.

Anxious Soul, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Thank you all.
Posted 8/7/2009 1:59 PM (GMT 0)
Anxious Soul - I would recommend a hybrid approach. First, I'm very sorry for your loss. I lost a friend to a random murder by strangers. Very scary. Just because you show up at court doesn't mean you have to be there for the whole thing. Sit in the back near a door. When someone testifies about something basic (what your son did the night of the incident) - stay and get a feel for the process. When someone is going to testify to something gory (the first officer on the scene) - step out and sit in the hall or go get a cup of coffee. The hardest decision will be whether to stay if the defendant testifies. Would it help to hear his apology? Will it hurt if he denies all wrong doing? What if they claim self defense and try to make your son look like the agressor? You have to think of all the possibilities and prepare yourself. Know what you can handle and what you can't. Also, if this was a high profile case, can you handle the press being there? Sadly, they love the grieving family shots. They might note in the article that the family stepped out during x testimony. If you don't want that level of attention I recommend not going. But, if you think you would regret not going I think going for what you can handle is the way to go. Come and go as you please and sit for what you can and leave for what is too emotional. Even if people "notice" no one is going to fault you for it.
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