Car accidents can cause physical injuries, but they can also cause emotional distress and mental trauma. Mental health issues, such as PTSD, can be even more serious than physical injuries and can have more long-term impacts. In this article, we share information about recognizing and addressing physiological trauma. If you can identify it early, you will have a greater chance of addressing the issue.
What Is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of mental health disorder. It affects people who experience or witness traumatic events, such as a car accident. Around 3.5 million adults suffer from PTSD annually. This condition is commonly seen in soldiers returning from war, but it can happen to anyone.
PTSD happens when the brain cannot turn off its fight-or-flight response to a fearful or traumatic event. While PTSD can be triggered by any type of situation, it is common in situations that are potentially life-threatening. Young children tend to have a more long-lasting impact to PTSD. They may also have difficulty expressing their feelings as they might not understand the disorder. Car accident victims who suffer from PTSD may suffer from anxiety, depression, fear of driving, or even being in a vehicle.
Common Signs of PTSD
PTSD can present itself in the form of excessive mood shifts. This may include a quick temper, paranoia, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. The victims of PTSD might also develop a negative image of themselves and suffer from shame or guilt. Victims of PTSD often avoid traveling in a vehicle or engaging in any activity that reminds them of the traumatic event. Car accident victims might not be comfortable inside a vehicle and require gradual re-exposure.
People who have PTSD can get frightened easily and show signs of depression, have difficulty sleeping, or have issues with their personal relationships. Victims of PTSD might find it challenging to avoid thinking about the traumatic event. They can suffer from nightmares or thoughts that remind them about the incident.
What to do About PTSD?
As PTSD can be unique to each individual, the treatment has to be tailored to the specific needs of the victim. A trained professional, such as a psychologist, can help victims of PTSD recover from the condition. They can create a customized plan to help victims manage or recover from this condition. For some people, medications and therapy help reduce the symptoms of PTSD.
If a victim of PTSD suffered due to someone else’s fault or wrongdoing, they might be able to recover compensation for their suffering. They should consider getting in touch with a car accident lawyer who has experience in PTSD cases. They can help victims obtain compensation for economic and non-economic damages. In addition, they can also guide victims on gathering evidence to support their cases.
Disclaimer: 1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service.
