The stress you may suffer after a car accident is often something that is overlooked. Suppose you have been involved in a serious, violent car accident. In that case, the stress you may suffer post-accident can be severe, resulting in flashbacks and even panic attacks as you relive the experience.
This may affect your sleep patterns, causing you nightmares and robbing you of your peace. So now that we have covered the bad news let’s cover the good news. It is possible to get help to deal with the stress. You need to recognize that you are suffering from PTSD, and you should get help. You should also know that you can get compensation for stress, anxiety, and PTSD following a car accident that wasn’t your fault. Learn more at DixonInjuryFirm.com.
Psychological damage can range from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to temporary depression. Let’s look at four ways to deal with stress after a car accident.
PTSD and Car Accidents – Do You Have PTSD?
Strong feelings after the car accident that start to affect your daily life and refuse to fade over time are signs of PTSD.
If you are experiencing all or any of the following symptoms, you may have PTSD:
- Repeated flashbacks of the accident
- Feelings of anger with no apparent cause
- Nightmares
- Insomnia
- A general feeling of uneasiness
- Anxiousness related to driving or being a passenger
- Feeling excessively concerned
- Irritability
What Can Trigger PTSD?
PTSD can be brought on by:
- Exposure to having seen serious horrific injuries before or during the accident
- A close shave with death
- Lack of support and no discussion outlet after the accident. It is essential to talk about your feelings
- Pre accident depression
- Previous exposure to traumatic events, even as a first responder
- Prior traumatic events such as an accident, a national disaster, or physical abuse
What Are Typical Kinds of Stress You Might Experience?
After a car accident, you may experience one or more of the following:
- Anger
- Shock
- Incredulity
- Guilt
- Fear
It is expected to get over the incident within a few days. However, you may experience flashbacks and even hear the sounds of impact, brake screeching, and smashing glass. If these symptoms do not wane after a month, or if you start suffering from PTSD symptoms, it is time to get professional help.
What You Can Do to Minimize PTSD
Outside of professional counseling, you can do four simple things as self-help measures to reduce the effects of PTSD.
Make an Appointment to See Your Doctor
► If your symptoms persist for more than a month, go see your doctor.
► Stressing about whether you have PTSD or not is itself a contributory factor to increased stress levels.
► Seeing your doctor may well give you peace of mind, even if you are diagnosed with PTSD, as it’s better to know what you are dealing with than to stress about what you might have wrong with you.
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist if they consider this necessary or prescribe medication.
Talk to Friends and Family
► It is a bad idea to bottle up how you may be feeling about the accident. You probably feel vulnerable and have been reminded how fragile life is and how easy it can be taken away.
► Talk to your family and friends about the accident. Don’t be afraid to share exactly how you are feeling. It is cathartic to tell the story to loved ones you know and trust.
► Explain what you saw, heard, and felt during the accident.
► Talking is therapeutic and can be enough to clear the issue psychologically.
Exercise
► Physical exercise is a great way to force your mind away from stress. In addition, physical activity has enormous psychological and health benefits.
► Do exercise daily. Start walking if you haven’t been exercising.
► This may be an excellent time to refocus. Physical exertion is a healing process and allows you to escape and focus on yourself and the physical task at hand, removing any propensity to wallow in stress and depression.
Engage With Your Pet
► If you have a pet, spend some time with it. Both cats and dogs are great for our human psyche.
► Spoil your pet. It will take your mind off yourself and lift any depressive feelings you might be experiencing. Take your pet pooch for a walk at the dog park and socialize with some strangers. Breathe the fresh air and try to be grateful for what you have. You will be surprised how regenerative a simple act such as walking the dog can be.
In Conclusion
It is pretty normal to feel anxious after being in a car accident. However, if this doesn’t wane progressively after a few weeks and you still feel anxious, you need to take action. A professional therapist can help you work through the issues.
