Most people are aware of the significant physical toll a car accident can take on your body. You can experience a wide range of injuries like fractures, tissue damage, cuts, spinal injuries, and even traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
However, the emotional toll can also be quite high, with some people struggling to come to grips with their experience in the days, weeks, and months after the accident. It’s not always immediately apparent that you’re not coping, but some of these signs below may indicate that your injuries aren’t just physical but mental, as well.
You’re not sleeping
Even after contacting a St. Petersburg car accident lawyer to manage all parts of the personal injury claims process to reduce your stress levels, some accident victims struggle to sleep. Sleeplessness can be a sign of stress and your body’s response to a high-stress event.
Over time, your sleep routine may improve, but not always without help. If you still find it hard to sleep a few weeks after your car accident, seek expert help and work on your sleep hygiene. Small changes like reducing your caffeine intake and removing distractions from the bedroom may help you get back on track.
You’re anxious
It’s only natural to experience some anxiety after a sometimes life-changing event like a car accident. You might feel anxious about getting back behind the wheel or even being a passenger in a vehicle.
However, car accidents have been known to cause some people to develop social anxiety. If doing something you usually had no trouble with evokes a panic attack-like response post-accident, consider seeking help from a mental health professional.
People are noticing a change in your behaviour
Most people understand that you’re going to be off sorts after a car accident. You’ve just gone through something quite traumatic, and it’s going to take some time until you’re back to yourself.
However, some people don’t bounce back as quickly as others. You may not want to partake in activities you once loved, and you may not even be as happy, social, or engaged as before. These signs may all point to depression and can indicate that you’re not coping after a car accident.
You received a PTSD diagnosis
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common condition experienced by people who have been a part of a traumatic event. While many people relate PTSD to military service, it can also be associated with road accidents, natural disasters, violence at home, and many other scenarios.
Symptoms of PTSD are generally agitation, hypervigilance, social isolation, anxiety, and insomnia, just to name a few. Seeing a health professional can be crucial so that you can receive the care you need.
Fortunately, your chosen car accident lawyer can fight for your right to compensation to cover the costs of PTSD and other car accident-related conditions.
A car accident can turn your life upside down in just a few seconds. An experienced car accident attorney can reduce some of your stress by managing your personal injury claim, but that doesn’t mean you won’t require further assistance. If you’re struggling to sleep, are anxious, or are generally not coping after your accident, consider seeking the help of an experienced mental health professional.
Adam Mulligan did his degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He is interested in mental health and well-being.
