Auto accidents can be traumatizing events. Sometimes, the mental effects far outlast the physical injuries. If emotional distress after a car accident interferes with your daily functioning, you may need mental health treatment. Here is what you need to know about recovering from mental trauma after an auto accident.
Common Mental Health Challenges After Car Crashes
Car accident victims may suffer various types of mental health disorders, including:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that some people develop after a life-threatening or stressful event. Approximately one-third of car crash victims experience PTSD. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of PTSD in the general population.
Common symptoms associated with PTSD include the following:
- Intrusive memories, such as repeatedly having distressing memories of what happened
- The presence of flashbacks where the victim relives the trauma
- Upsetting dreams or nightmares
- Avoidance of activities that remind the victim of the traumatizing event
- Feeling numb or detached
- Changes in physical and emotional reactions
Symptoms may worsen over time, underscoring the importance of seeking medical assistance.
Depression
Depression is a natural response after a stressful event, such as a car accident. However, depression is a serious mental health disorder that can interfere with daily activities and reduce your overall enjoyment of life.
Depression can arise from the traumatizing event itself or new disabilities and challenges created by the accident. Car accident victims may struggle with coping with the aftereffects of their injuries and the accident. They may feel alone, helpless, and hopeless. They may also feel guilty that they have to rely on others.
Anxiety
Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress, resulting in symptoms such as:
- Fear
- Dread
- Tension
- Rapid heartbeat
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Stomach problems
While it is normal to experience anxiety after an accident, persistent anxiety can decrease your quality of life.
Acute Stress Reaction
Acute stress reaction is a stress response that can lead to several negative effects, including:
- Anxiety
- Mood changes
- Insomnia
- Nightmares
- Flashbacks
- Avoidance
- Disassociation
This disorder often arises in the days following a traumatic event, but it usually does not last as long as PTSD.
Grief
People may experience grief over many events other than death. They may experience it due to other losses, such as:
- Safety
- Health
- Independence
- Mobility
- Financial security
- The way their relationships with loved ones once were
Survivor’s Guilt
If the accident victim survived an accident that resulted in someone else’s death, they may feel guilty about this. They may wonder why they survived and the other person died and feel a sense of unfairness. This can make it difficult to cope after an accident.
Contact the Oklahoma Injury Law Firm for a Free Consultation
If you or your loved one is experiencing mental health effects following an auto accident, the Oklahoma Injury Law Firm can help. We can connect you to qualified mental health providers and fight for compensation to pay for expenses related to these losses and the effect they have had on your life. Contact us online or call us at (405) 310-8800 today for a free case review with our compassionate legal team.