It’s very common to experience emotional distress after being in a car accident. Apart from dealing with insurers and focusing on physical recovery, car accident victims also have to deal with the anxiety ad fear of getting back behind the wheel after a car accident.
According to the American Psychological Association, car accidents are the leading cause of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Approximately 6 million car accidents occur in the United States every year and according to a study done by the National Institute of Mental Health, 39.2% of car accident survivors develop PTSD.
Symptoms of PTSD After Your Fall River Car Accident
While it is normal to experience a flood of emotions, including fear, confusion, grief, shock, and helplessness, for most people these feelings go away with time. However, if you are suffering from PTSD, the feelings do not go away that easily and they tend to worsen over time. Some of the symptoms include:
- Feelings of distress about getting back behind the wheel or being in or around moving cars
- Reliving every memory of the car accident or thinking about it a lot
- General anxiety ad uneasiness
- Feelings of anger, excessive worry or irritable
- Restlessness, difficulty sleeping and nightmarres
Who is More at Risk for PTSD After a Car Accident?
Anyone can develop PTSD after a car accident. However, according to a study done by NCBI, PTSD occurs more frequently among:
- Women
- People with a history of depression
- Car accident victims who suffered a violent injury
- Those who the car accident led to a fatality
How to Handle Emotional Distress After a Car Accident
The amount of emotional distress a person experiences after an accident varies from one person to another. Below are some steps you can take to deal with anxiety:
Admit You May Have a Problem
There is no need to hide that you are stressed. Admitting that you have a problem and seeking help takes a lot of courage.
Talk to Your Doctor
You should have an open discussion with your doctor about how you are feeling. They might recomend a good therapist who might help you to get through this difficult time.
Talk to a Mental Health Professional
They can work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
