(Newswire.net — May 30, 2018) — Following a truck-car accident, most injured victims are focused on their physical injuries. If you suffered any bodily injuries, you need to undergo a thorough medical examination and pursue the best treatment. If the accident was someone else’s fault, you can file a legal claim against the responsible party, show your medical records and related bills to prove the damages you deserve due to the injuries caused and get compensated.
Despite all these, many victims pay less attention to the effects of an accident and injuries on their mental and emotional health. The emotional trauma and mental issues that result from fatal truck accidents can be as devastating as the physical ones. Below, we’re going to look at some of the emotional and mental issues related to auto accidents and how best to handle them.
Emotional Distress After an Accident
Emotional distress is common among accident victims. Some of the symptoms include feelings of anguish, anxiety, bouts of anger, crying, losing appetite, mood swings, feelings of humiliation, fearfulness, sleep issues, nightmares and loss of interest in usual activities. These symptoms can significantly disrupt an individual’s life, including work, school and family.
While emotional distress can be relatively short-lived, the feelings of despair can persist for some time, especially when physical injuries are a constant reminder. If you have been involved in a trucking accident in Houston, your first priority is seeking medical attention before you even think of consulting a trucking accident Attorney Houston, according to The Doan Law Firm.
Mental Conditions Arising From Accidents
The trauma associated with fatal car accidents can be a serious issue to victims. Some car accident victims end up developing mental conditions and complications. The most common is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Those who develop PTSD also simultaneously have an intense and persistent fear of driving again or a related anxiety disorder.
Some of the substantial mental effects of PTSD on an accident victim’s life include:
- Flashbacks that sometimes result in periods of ‘blackouts’
- Intense, recurring and involuntary memories of the accident
- Terrifying nightmares
- Avoidance of anything that may remind them of the accident experience
- Intense physical or emotional distress after encountering a reminder
- Self-harm
- Depression and gradual withdrawal from the society
To cope with these mental conditions and PTSD symptoms, accident victims should seek specialized treatment and regular therapy, possibly for a long-term period. Medications and other aids may also be recommended to help them return to a regular day-to-day routine. A Very Well Mind article shares some helpful information on what you should know about PTSD and car accidents, so you can better understand your risk after being involved in a crash.
Long-Term Effects of Fatal Accidents
It’s clear that accident victims face a number of serious mental issues like depression and anxiety. But, what about the long-term concerns? Studies done by the American Journal of Psychiatry have shown that up to a third of accident victims experience frequencies of phobic travel anxiety, PTSD, depression and general anxiety even one year after an accident happened. Although improvement is reported over time, long-term effects are a huge concern.
While these long-term effects can be debilitating and unexpected, there are a few steps that can be taken to alleviate some of the common symptoms:
- Don’t be afraid to share your feelings with family, friends and your doctor
- Try to stay engaged in your daily routine and lifestyle
- Engage in activities that make you feel happy
- Follow up with your family doctor at any time
- Learn to be a more defensive driver
Taking these steps can help you get back to your regular routine and transition from a life of depression and anxiety to a more accepting life. It’s all a part of the healing process.
Conclusion
Accident victims deserve to fully recover from physical, emotional and mental injuries. While proving psychological injuries and emotional distress can be more challenging than proving physical injuries, working with a highly skilled and experienced trucking accident attorney can help you gather and present credible evidence so you can receive a favorable outcome in your case.