> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://avid-detention.gitbook.io/avid-handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://avid-detention.gitbook.io/avid-handbook/visitor-wellbeing/impacts-of-visiting.md).

# Impacts of visiting

The impacts of visiting can vary, and there are both positive and negative ways that visiting might shape you.  

The signs of stress and trauma will often be unique to the person experiencing them. It is important to note that they are not due to individual weakness, but rather a reflection of the conditions that people may be exposed to when visiting. 

Some of the impacts can be: 

<table><thead><tr><th>Impact</th><th width="249">Positive</th><th>Negative</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Physical</td><td>Feeling energised, increased body awareness (ability to notice stress and tension)</td><td>Changes in sleep, appetite, muscle tension, fatigue, increased heart rate &#x26; digestive disruptions (e.g. upset stomach)</td></tr><tr><td>Emotional</td><td>Gratitude, greater ability to appreciate the ‘small things’, frustration that drives you towards action or advocacy</td><td>Feeling more down or anxious than usual, reduced interest in things that you previously enjoyed, irritability, overwhelm, feeling flat or detached</td></tr><tr><td>Mental</td><td>Greater ability to be more focused or present when listening to someone’s story, strengthened reflective and critical thinking</td><td>Difficulty concentrating, memory issues, difficulty making decisions, intrusive thoughts or rumination and feeling mentally overloaded</td></tr><tr><td>Social</td><td>Deeper connection with people over shared values, sense of solidarity and collective purpose, feeling part of a community/ movement</td><td>Withdrawal from relationships, feeling disconnected or misunderstood, irritability, reduced patience or emotional availability</td></tr><tr><td>Worldview</td><td>Having a clearer understanding of social inequality, a belief in human resilience, gaining insight from other people’s experiences</td><td>Reduced levels of trust in others, belief that the ‘world is a bad place’, hopelessness</td></tr><tr><td>Spiritual </td><td>Seeing faith as a resource, finding new purpose, changing priorities, different perspective on life</td><td>Questioning your faith and purpose, spiritual distress, loss of previously held beliefs</td></tr></tbody></table>

We are impacted by our experiences in a holistic way, and you may find that you are experiencing both positive and negative impacts at the same time. While you might have a stronger sense of purpose or moral conviction, you might also notice that you’re feeling more ‘wired’, are having trouble sleeping or blaming yourself for things outside of your control. &#x20;

Generally, these impacts will occur over time. This can make it hard for us to identify what is happening as our ‘new normal’ slowly changes.&#x20;

We might also experience moments when these impacts suddenly intensify, or we respond strongly after a specific visit. This might be due to things happening in your personal life, feeling a stronger connection to someone’s experiences, or changes that arise unexpectedly.&#x20;