Car accidents are often traumatic experiences that can leave accident victims with not only physical injuries but psychological injuries as well. These injuries, if left untreated, can be incredibly debilitating and make it difficult for individuals to carry out their lives as usual. Understanding the various psychological impacts of a car accident is important in order to provide accident victims with the care and support that they need to recover.
Anxiety
Anxiety is one prominent type of psychological effect that car accident victims commonly experience. Accident victims who develop anxiety may experience heightened levels of worry and nervousness, particularly when thinking about or encountering situations similar to the accident. While anxiety manifests itself differently in every individual, some of the most common symptoms include panic attacks, restlessness, increased heart rate, and feelings of impending doom. In addition, it is not uncommon for car accident victims to develop amaxophobia, which is a fear of driving or riding in a car.
Depression
Depression is also commonly experienced by individuals who have been involved in a car accident. The signs of depression typically include intense feelings of sadness and hopelessness, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, and a lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. Individuals who have been diagnosed with depression are commonly treated with a combination of medication and therapy. Depression can be exacerbated by the aftermath of an accident, including medical bills, lifestyle changes, and legal matters. To help alleviate the stress of filing a car accident claim, it may be beneficial to seek help from a San Antonio accident lawyer who can help you navigate the legal process.
PTSD
Another incredibly common psychological effect of a car accident is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a mental health condition that is developed after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and intrusive and uncontrollable thoughts about the accident. Oftentimes, individuals with PTSD have specific triggers that ignite these intense thoughts and feelings related to the car accident. For example, perhaps the sound of screeching tires or ambulances could be a potential trigger for an individual who was involved in a car accident. Professional medical intervention is highly advised in order to help the victim manage their PTSD. Trauma-focused therapies are typically encouraged and medication may be prescribed.
Insomnia
One of the final psychological effects that a car accident may have on an accident victim is insomnia. Insomnia is a sleep disorder that makes it difficult for individuals to fall asleep, stay asleep, and get good quality sleep. Insomnia often stems from the other aforementioned psychological effects and further exacerbates the symptoms of them, thereby creating a vicious, never-ending cycle. To treat insomnia, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) sessions may be implemented. The goal of CBT for insomnia is to modify and restructure the accident victim’s thoughts and behaviors that are contributing to the sleep problems, to establish a regular sleep routine and a restful environment . In some cases, medication may also be prescribed to aid in the accident victim’s quality and quantity of sleep.