Dealing with PTSD after a car accident

When we are involved in an accident, it is possible that we can suffer injuries such as cuts, whiplash, bruises, and fractures, among others. However, sometimes accident victims are not only at risk of physical injury, but may also suffer life-altering psychological injuries.

After an accident, it is normal for us to feel different emotions such as anxiety, anger, fear, sadness, and even depression. For some people, these feelings can become more intense and persist for a long time afterward. Until there may come a time when they realize that these feelings are beginning to interfere with their daily lives.

One of the disorders that a person can develop after a car accident is post-traumatic stress disorder. Next, we will see what it is about.

What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Post-traumatic stress disorder is often associated with people who have been in a war. However, the reality is that this disorder is a mental health condition that anyone who has experienced – or even witnessed – a traumatic event can experience.

PTSD can last for weeks, months, or years if left untreated, and can affect a person in such a way that they may lose whatever peace of mind and quality of life they had before the traumatic event.

Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

In PTSD, strong emotions can stay the same or get worse over time. Symptoms that a person with PTSD may have after a car accident include:

§ Fear

§ Distress

§ Stress

§ Depression

§ Blame

§ Trouble sleeping

§ Nightmares about the accident

§ Intrusive thoughts and images from moments of the accident

§ Isolation

§ Anxiety

§ Headaches

§ Not wanting to leave the house for fear that something could happen to him

§ Constant state of alert

§ Not wanting to drive again

Any type of serious, life-threatening or fatal car accident can put you at higher risk of developing PTSD.

If you or a loved one have some of these symptoms and are having a hard time getting back on track after an accident, seek professional help immediately.

Mental health professionals can help you get through this bitter experience, and give you tools so you can move on and get on with your life.