Psychological Problems After a Car Accident
Over 250,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes in Texas in 2023. The physical effects of being in a collision can be devastating. Ongoing medical bills, lost wages, and the pain of recovering from injuries are just some of the challenges an individual may face.
However, being in a car accident can also impact a person in unseen ways, such as affecting their mental health. Struggling with psychological problems after any type of roadway accident, including motorcycle accidents, is more common than many people realize.
Car Accidents and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be caused by any type of traumatic event. PTSD may be most well-known as a mental health concern affecting combat soldiers, but according to the National Veterans Homeless Support, PTSD can affect anyone who’s experienced trauma, including car accident survivors.
PTSD symptoms may first appear up to three months after a collision.
Symptoms typically include:
- Intrusive memories
- Upsetting dreams
- Severe emotional distress when reminded of the event
- Reliving the accident in the form of flashbacks
- Avoiding people or places associated with the accident
- Negative thoughts about yourself or the world
- Feeling guilty or ashamed
- Losing interest in preferred activities
- Being easily frightened
- Sleep difficulties
- Changes in eating habits
- Feeling always on the lookout for danger
- Panic attacks
- Angry outbursts and other aggressive behaviors
Symptoms can be mild to severe and may worsen without treatment.
Car Accidents and Depression
Many car accident survivors develop depression symptoms after being in an accident. Experiencing life-changing injuries, needing to adjust routines and employment arrangements, or losing a loved one can cause an emotional imbalance that leads to depression.
Symptoms of depression include:
- Frequently feeling tired or too fatigued to participate in daily activities
- Feeling guilty, hopeless, or helpless
- Feeling sad
- Replaying the accident in your head and ruminating about “what if” scenarios
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Changing in eating patterns
- Self-isolating
- Physical pain
Depression after a car or truck accident can be caused or worsened by physical pain. People who’ve been severely injured may require long-term rehab, surgery, or medication to control pain. The stress of paying medical bills or taking care of their family can add to the emotional toll.
Car Accidents and Anxiety
It’s natural to feel anxious in a car after being in an accident, but only for a short while. For most people, those feelings of anxiety pass or at least decrease within a few weeks. However, some people continue to experience anxiety long after the accident. They may develop a phobia about cars or driving, but many symptoms are more generalized.
They include:
- Feeling nervous, tense, or restless
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Muscle aches and pains
- Inability to control worry
- Trouble sleeping
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Trouble concentrating
- Impending sense of doom or panic
Anxiety can become so severe that the person may be unable to work, go to school, or fulfill daily responsibilities.
Get Help If You’re Experiencing Psychological Problems After a Car Accident
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a brain injury or mental health concern after being in a car accident, don’t ignore them. Treatments, such as therapy, medication, support groups, and lifestyle changes, can help you decrease symptoms.
Not all injuries leave physical scars. Struggling with feelings of fear, guilt, depression, or anxiety after an accident is natural. Many people do. Don’t struggle alone. Speak with your medical doctor or a therapist to learn about treatment options, and contact an attorney if you think you may be entitled to compensation for your injury.
Contact the Car Accident Law Firm of Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers in Bedford for Help Today
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Fort Worth and Bedford, Texas.
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth
209 N Hampton St,
Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 510-9400
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Bedford
2317 Plaza Pkwy #100,
Bedford, TX 76021
(817) 503-9200
