A car accident can be a traumatic and even life-altering experience. Not only are you dealing with the physical pain, but you are also dealing with the emotional fallout of what just happened.
If you are a victim of a car accident, it can cause many lasting effects. Car accidents can leave long term physical scars and trauma to the brain, heart and soul. The fear of driving, even after completing physical therapy is typical for many victims. Some experience extreme difficulty fighting off recurring nightmares caused by reliving the car accident over and over again creating traumatic stress disorder. If you have seen death or injury, you may have PTSD.
You are not alone. Millions of people have gone through a traumatic event like a car crash. You should know that what happened to you is not your fault. There are many methods and medicines you can use to make yourself feel better again.
If you’re reading this, you’ve probably been in a car accident, and it’s possible you’re suffering from PTSD. You might also just be doing some research on the topic for a loved one who’s suffering now. Either way, we want to help, read on to understand more about PSTD and how ways to overcome it.
What is PSTD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a medical condition that is described as a psychological reaction to very traumatic or stressful situations. It can be caused by physical abuse, sexual abuse, witnessing a violent event or being in the military during wartime. Truck accidents and car accidents are one of the leading causes of PTSD in the United States.
PTSD can also be caused by high levels of stress from experiencing a traumatic event. When high-stress levels are experienced repeatedly over time, it causes changes in the brain that trigger PTSD symptoms.
PSTD and Car Accidents
A car accident can be a traumatic event for anyone and can change your life forever. When the accident is severe and you suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), things become more complicated. PTSD can cause you to experience anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, lack of memory, anger and depression. It can also cause you to have relationship issues with family members and friends. If you’re living with PTSD after a car accident, there are various treatment options available to help you manage your symptoms.
Fortunately, you do not have to suffer alone as an Irvine personal injury lawyer can help you get the financial compensation you need while you focus on your recovery. A good personal injury attorney will listen to your story, evaluate your case and advise you on how to handle it in order to receive the best settlement possible.
Overcoming Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
To overcome PTSD caused by a car accident, there are various treatment and self-help options available.
Treatment Options
If you’re thinking about seeking treatment, your first step will be to see a therapist or psychiatrist who specializes in PTSD.
Psychotherapy
The most recommended treatment for PTSD is psychotherapy. In therapy sessions with a licensed therapist or counselor, you’ll be able to talk about what happened and how it’s impacting your life now. Through this process, you may learn ways to manage your emotions that will make it easier for you to avoid triggers that cause anxiety or flashbacks.
The two most common psychotherapy procedures are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is an effective treatment option for many individuals suffering from PTSD. CBT focuses on changing the way you think about certain situations so that they no longer scare or upset you. This therapy can be very helpful for people who have PTSD from their car accident because it helps them learn how to deal with triggers and emotions in a healthy way instead of avoiding these situations altogether by staying home all day every day for example which often leads to depression too!
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR helps reduce the strength of the response when your brain recalls memories associated with the trauma. Both types of therapy have previously been shown to be beneficial in helping people who suffer from PTSD as a result of their car accidents.
Self-Help for PTSD
A variety of self-help options are also available if you prefer not to seek treatment from a professional.
Getting plenty of rest.
Your body needs time to heal from the trauma it experienced during the accident. This means getting plenty of sleep, naps, or even more time off from work if necessary.
Practice self-care.
It’s important to take care of yourself after an accident so your body can heal properly. If you don’t take care of yourself, your injury might get worse or cause more problems later on (like PTSD). This means eating a healthy diet, getting enough rest each night and taking time off work if needed. Try meditation or other mindfulness practices like yoga which will allow your mind time to rest while helping with healing as well!
Be gentle with yourself.
Be patient while healing from the trauma caused by a car accident. It might take longer than expected, so don’t push yourself too hard when recovering or trying new things like therapy sessions or medication prescriptions.
Seek out support.
You can attend therapy sessions or join a support group. If you don’t feel comfortable attending in person, or want to supplement your care, there are many online groups that might be helpful to you as well.
Keep a journal.
Write down how the accident made you feel and what you experienced afterwards so that you can process those feelings and maintain perspective about the trauma.
Spend time with animals.
You can have a pet dog or a cat. If you don’t have one of your own, consider volunteering at an animal shelter or petting zoo. Many people find that animals help them relax and focus on the present moment rather than their trauma.
Overcoming PTSD Caused By A Wreck
Remember, there is life after a car accident. Even if you have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, it is possible to beat this condition and continue living your life normally again. It will not be easy, but if you work hard and try to learn how to overcome PTSD caused by a car accident, you can do it. The most important thing is to never give up as this will mean that you are on the right path to recovery and you should keep moving forward.
Fortunately, you do not have to suffer alone as an Irvine personal injury lawyer can help you get the financial compensation you need while you focus on your recovery. A good personal injury attorney will listen to your story, evaluate your case and advise you on how to handle it in order to receive the best settlement possible.
Story From Brett Sachs
Brett Sachs, partner & principal attorney at MVP Accident Attorneys, graduated from Michigan State University College of Law with Cum Laude Honors and worked for an insurance defense firm before starting his practice. Brett has evaluated thousands of personal injury cases and has helped his clients receive the justice they deserve.