Being involved in a car crash can be a highly traumatic experience, both physically and mentally. It is not uncommon for people who have been in a car accident to experience a range of psychological symptoms in the days, weeks, and even months following the event.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the common trauma symptoms and provide advice on what may help recovery.
Symptoms of Trauma Following a Car Crash
Mental trauma following a car crash can manifest in many different ways. That means that it’s important to realise that two people in an accident can experience very different types of responses.
Some common symptoms include:
– Flashbacks or intrusive memories of the accident
– Nightmares
– difficulty concentrating or sleeping
– irritability or mood swings
– feeling on edge or hypervigilant
– avoidance of anything that reminds you of the accident (such as driving)
As you can see, the symptoms really can be life-changing for the person experiencing the trauma. This can lead to time off work, needing help with childcare, and the services of professionals in the field of trauma care.
So it’s essential to consider not only a claim for the vehicle but also the costs that have been incurred due to the physical and mental trauma of being involved in the accident. This is where working with a specialist claims company, like Claims Action, ensures you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
How is Mental Trauma Defined?
Mental trauma is defined as a type of psychological injury that occurs as a result of a person experiencing or witnessing a highly stressful or life-threatening event. This can include events such as car accidents, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and more. Mental trauma can have short- and long-term effects on a person’s mental and emotional health.
What Can Help To Deal With The Trauma?
If you or someone you know is dealing with mental trauma following a car accident, there are a few things that can help. Firstly, it is important to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor who specializes in treating trauma. In addition, here are a few self-care tips that can be helpful:
Talk about your experience with friends or family members who will listen and offer support
The listener needs to understand that they just need to listen to provide you with a safe and unjudgemental space to talk about how you’re feeling.
Avoid alcohol and drugs
it might be tempting to turn to alcohol or drugs to numb your pain, but this will only make things worse in the long run. It’s what is called a ‘sticky plaster’ approach; it hides the issue, but it’s still there, waiting to be resolved.
Stay active and eat a healthy diet.
Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects, and eating a healthy diet helps to keep your energy levels up. Foods that are high in sugar and refined fats can make you feel sluggish and low.
Get enough sleep
When you’re dealing with mental trauma, it’s important to get enough sleep. This can be difficult, but you can do a few things to help yourself: establish a regular sleep routine, avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, and create a relaxing environment in your bedroom.
Take breaks from the news and social media
Constant exposure to news coverage of traumatic events can increase your anxiety and make you feel worse. It’s important to take breaks from the news and social media and only to consume positive and uplifting content.
Engage in healthy activities such as meditation, or journaling
Doing things that make you feel good on a regular basis can help to improve your mental state. Meditation helps to clear your mind, and journaling can be therapeutic.
Allow yourself time to heal, and don’t expect to return to “normal” right away
Mental trauma can take a long time to heal, and it’s important to be patient and understand that it will take time to feel better. The time to recover varies hugely between different people, so don’t feel pressured because someone else feels ‘okay.’
Whats The Difference Between Normal Feelings After A Car Accident And Trauma?
It’s normal to feel shaken up after a car accident, even if it was a minor one. It can take a few days or even weeks for the initial shock to wear off. However, if you find that your symptoms are not improving or are getting worse over time, it may be a sign that you are dealing with mental trauma. If this is the case, it is important to seek professional help.
Risk Factors for Trauma After a Car Accident
There are a few factors that can increase your risk of developing mental trauma after a car accident. These include:
- Being involved in a serious or life-threatening accident
- Witnessing a traumatic event
- Experiencing physical injuries
- Suffering from pre-existing mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression
- Having a history of trauma
- Losing a loved one in the accident
- Not having a support system of friends or family members
If you have any of these risk factors, it’s essential to be extra vigilant about your mental health after a car accident.