With car accidents, some injuries, like broken bones and cuts, are almost immediately apparent. You’re likely to feel the effects of the common head, back, or neck injuries and the less obvious internal injuries. However, the psychological impacts of being in a car accident may not be as apparent, and some of them may surprise you. Keep reading to learn about the common symptoms and what you can do to treat them.
Of course, it’s understandable that you may be hyperaware whenever you’re in the car. This is true whether you hit someone and are now on the lookout for others on the street or if you were hit and want to avoid repeating the same. You may experience flashbacks to the accident. These experiences can make you feel uneasy, and driving may be exhausting, even if you’re a passenger in the vehicle. In extreme examples, this anxiety may lead to panic attacks while driving or thinking about doing so.
You might not be consciously aware of the psychological impacts of being in a car accident, but you may feel them in your body. As the saying goes, “The body remembers the score.” You may find yourself tense, nauseous, or otherwise uncomfortable at the thought of driving or while doing it. These sensations may increase if someone approaches too closely and may be hard to shake, even after you exit the vehicle. For some, these symptoms make it difficult to function at home or work or even do basic tasks such as eating.
Being in a car accident may impact you all the time, and not just when driving. You could become jumpy, on edge, and easily frustrated or flustered during the day. You may find that your mood changes quickly. You may feel guilt or shame, even if the accident wasn’t your fault. It can be difficult if you were
At night, you might experience insomnia or nightmares when you do sleep. Like anxiety and being jumpy, nightmares are a component of post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. PTSD is often associated with soldiers but can affect anyone who has experienced trauma, including victims of car accidents. Trauma physically changes your brain,
Most people see a medical professional after a car accident to care for their physical health, even if there aren’t any noticeable injuries. However, many people can also benefit from seeking help from a mental health professional such as a therapist or psychiatrist. Talk therapy can help you work through the many emotions you have and learn how to manage them. A mental health professional might also suggest that you consider medication to help with symptoms such as anxiety and depression, and may work with your doctor to find a solution that works for you.
Document any physical injuries or emotional trauma and the associated costs, including missed work, because insurance companies may need this information in the claims process to determine rewards. This information is also important if you have to go to court because of the accident.
