Circuit Court

CONTACT INFORMATION: Our office is open 8AM-4PM Monday-Friday
(703) 691-7320 TTY 711
N/A
4110 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
Christopher J. Falcon
Clerk of the Court

Department Resources

Juror Wellness Matters

Support After Jury Duty

 

The Fairfax Circuit Court thanks you for serving your community. As a juror, you dedicated your time and attention to an essential part of the justice system. Being on a jury is a rewarding experience that, in some cases, may be quite demanding, and your participation is appreciated.

 

Why Mental Health for Jurors Is Important


Serving on a jury is not a common experience and may cause some jurors to have temporary symptoms of distress. Not everyone feels affected in the same way after jury duty, however, it is helpful to be aware of symptoms of distress if they arise. Serving as a juror is a vital way to support your community, while it can be challenging at times, we encourage you to take care of your mental health along the way.

u Anxiety, depression, or sadness

u Fear, panic, guilt, or denial

u Social well-being

u Excessive worry about others

u Changes in typical behaviors

u Sleep disturbances, nightmares, or flashbacks

u Second-guessing your verdict or dwelling on the case

 
 

Common Mental Health Conditions

  • Depression: A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and difficulty functioning in daily life.
  • Anxiety: A mental health condition involving excessive fear, worry, and physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat or restlessness.
  • Irregular Diet: A disrupted eating pattern often leading to imbalanced nutrient intake and potential health consequences.
  • PTSD: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health disorder caused by experiencing or witnessing traumatic events, resulting in intrusive memories, emotional distress, and heightened arousal.

Call, text, or chat 988 to connect with a lifeline counselor for help during difficult moments.


Self-Care During Jury Service

Don’t make any major life decisions.  Try to maintain your normal daily schedule and exercise regularly.

Seek quick practices to calm your mind, such as Deep Breathing Exercises: Take in a slow breath for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, and exhale for 4 counts. Repeat 5 times to regain focus.


Stretching : Roll your shoulders, stretch your neck, or stand and lightly stretch your legs during breaks.


Mindfulness Tip: Focus on the present moment—observe 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste.


Remember, it’s okay to feel stressed.
Take things one step at a time. You’ll get through it.
 

Resist negative thoughts about your experience. Embrace the impact that you made to our community and read more about jury service on our website.

Taking Care of Your Mental Health After Jury Duty

Self-Care Strategies

Before you leave the court, you may wish to get the names and numbers to at least a couple of your fellow jurors. Sometimes it is helpful to people who have had the same experience as you. Resist negative thoughts and stick to your normal daily routines. Don’t isolate yourself.

Social Connections

Talking to family members and friends is one of the best ways to put your jury duty experience in perspective. Discuss your feelings and reactions with loved ones and friends.

Professional Help

Consider seeking professional help if the stress responses to jury services are impacting your daily life and causing the inability to perform normal work or home activities, disruption in relationships, or marked changes in your sleep patterns or mood.

Support Services

Fairfax County offers several resources for anyone who is going through a mental health crisis. 
You may speak with your employer and seek help from an Employee Assistance Program. They may have additional resources for mental health wellness. 
Your primary care physician may be a helpful resource in seeking additional mental health care.  
You also may reach out to your clergy, spiritual leader, or advisor. 

For emergency mental health services, call 703-573-5679. Walk-in services are available 24/7 at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health through the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board. If it's not an emergency situation, but you still need emotional support, call Entry & Referral Services at 703-383-8500 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/csb.


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