My Compensation or Redress Process Is Making Me Anxious, What Can I Do
A compensation or redress process can turn an event from the past into something that repeatedly enters the present.
A compensation or redress process can turn an event from the past into something that repeatedly enters the present.
A letter arrives and your stomach drops. An unknown number calls and you wonder whether it is your solicitor. You are asked to describe what happened again. A medical examination or redress statement means returning to details you would rather not revisit.
The process may be necessary, but that does not mean its emotional effect should be ignored.
Work out what is triggering the anxiety
“The claim makes me anxious” can contain several different triggers.
You may fear losing. You may worry that nobody believes you. Money may depend on the outcome. You may dread medical examinations or discussing abuse. Legal language may make you feel powerless. Silence from a representative may leave you imagining the worst.
Identifying the trigger helps you decide whether the answer is information, practical help or emotional support.
Reduce avoidable uncertainty
If confusion is driving anxiety, ask for a plain-English update.
Find out the current stage, what is outstanding, who has the next action and when you should expect another meaningful update.
Keep important documents in one place. Choose a sensible time to read correspondence rather than opening complex legal emails late at night or immediately before work if they can safely wait.
Good organisation cannot remove uncertainty from a claim, but it can remove some of the chaos around it.
Retelling a difficult experience can have an effect
Some processes require people to describe accidents, abuse, injury or loss several times.
For somebody affected by trauma, reminders can trigger intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance, irritability or feeling constantly alert to danger. Those symptoms do not automatically mean PTSD, but persistent or severe symptoms deserve appropriate clinical attention.
If you know a particular meeting or statement will be difficult, plan what support you need before and afterwards rather than waiting until you are overwhelmed.
Try not to live inside the claim
A legal or redress process can become the first thing you check in the morning and the last thing you think about at night.
Set boundaries where possible. Keep a list of questions rather than repeatedly emailing each time one occurs. Decide how often you will check for non-urgent updates. Protect activities and relationships that have nothing to do with the case.
You are a person going through a process; you do not have to become the process.
When self-help is not enough
If anxiety is persistent, affecting sleep or making ordinary life difficult, consider professional support.
In England, adults can self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression, including support for anxiety and PTSD where clinically appropriate. A GP can also help you identify suitable support.
Counselling can provide a confidential space to talk about fear, anger, uncertainty and the emotional impact of repeatedly revisiting events. It should support your wellbeing rather than coach you on what to say in a claim.
Important informationThis guide provides general information and is not intended to provide legal, financial, medical or other professional advice. Individual circumstances can be different. You may wish to check current information from official sources and seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional before making important decisions.