Managing Emotional Trauma After a Serious Car Accident

 Posted on May 16, 2019 in Car Accident

Car accidents have the potential to cause physical and emotional trauma. Cars are large machines that can reach high speeds, and upon impact, create havoc for the people inside. Physical trauma to the body has the potential to change a person's life, but mental recovery is also critical. Surviving a car crash can lead to mental disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. 

Severe car accidents often cause an emotional response, but a person facing mental trauma after an accident may feel extreme feelings that do not go away quickly. In fact, they may worsen. In this case, a person may have developed PTSD or another mental illness. PTSD symptoms may include:

• Constant feelings of uneasiness;
• Uncharacteristic anger or irritability;
• Nightmares or insomnia; 
• Feeling disconnected from your surroundings; and
• Anxiety around cars or roadways.

If after a car accident you are still dealing with the effects of trauma, or have grown a sense of hopelessness, consider these steps to manage the situation.

Seek Therapy

If you are unsure of where to start looking for a mental health professional, ask your primary care physician or family doctor for a recommendation. Therapy is a safe space where you can express your concerns without judgment. A licensed therapist will listen to your feelings and recommend solutions of how to work through your trauma. 

Stay Active

Although a car accident may have affected your ability to move or function, it is recommended you keep a routine as much as possible. This may mean modifications. Instead of going for a run, you may work yourself back up to that point with short walks during recovery. Modifications to your schedule and activities may take time to perfect, but it is important to keep trying. 

Contact a Larimer County Personal Injury Attorney

Developing PTSD is one of the many ways a car accident can affect your life. If you were seriously injured because of the negligence of another driver, contact an experienced Fort Collins car accident attorney who will fight for compensation for your pain and suffering. Call our office at 970-225-2190 today to schedule a free consultation. 

Source:

https://familydoctor.org/post-traumatic-stress-after-a-traffic-accident/