Car accidents are some of the worst events that can happen to us. Each year many people find their end because of a car accident. Even when someone survives a car crash there is still a negative impact on their lives. That’s why is so important to decrease the number of car accidents.
According to a statistic, the main reason for car accidents is driving intoxicated state or speeding. At first glance, these are things we can control and prevent many events with a bad end.
But in real people don’t take this seriously and think “This won’t happen to me”. No one is protected and the hard truth is that every driver can cause or can be a victim of a car accident.
In this article, we will discuss what is the impact of an automobile accident on mental health and which are the most common issues after surviving a crash.
What are the Symptoms of Mental Distress
We are all different and we react in different ways to the events happening in our life. Even though we know each other we can’t predict how such a terrific event as a car crash can impact our life.
There are many symptoms that show something is not okay with us after we became victims of a car crash. Some of them are stronger than some people but are not provoked by other victims.
However, everyone that takes part in a car accident in some way might need special treatment from a psychologist.
Here are some of the most common symptoms of mental distress after a car accident:
- Emotional pain;
- Feeling of guilt;
- Anxiety and depression;
- Overwhelming and overthinking;
- Anger;
- Insomnia;
- Nightmares;
- Mood changes;
In the next paragraphs we select some of the main mental states that can a person develop after being a victim of a car accident.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorders
This is a state that can be caused by many events including a car accident. The victims of such a bad event tend to develop PTSD after the accident. The main symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder are flashbacks from the accident, nightmares, anxiety, and emotional instability.
These symptoms can lead to developing depression or even self-harm state. People who are more vulnerable to PTSD are victims of car accidents who were dangerously injured or lost someone in the accident.
Anxiety about Driving
The emotional reaction victims of automobile accidents experience leads them to a phobia of driving or being in a car. This emotional state grows differently in each person but it’s very possible to happen to everyone involved in such an accident.
Driving anxiety can affect the life of a person in many ways. Some people can’t do their daily life because they can’t reach their workplace. Other victims of car accidents refuse to travel anymore in their lives and become very anxious when their family or friends will use transportation. In general, driving anxiety is more than fear of driving and can provoke more mental issues.
Sleep Issues
In this paragraph, we include insomnia and nightmares. Many people surviving car accidents share that the quality of their sleep is bad. Even the experience of going to sleep is related with them to the accident because they usually have nightmares from the crash.
Insomnia and other sleep issues affect a person’s life in many ways. People that are going through such issues feel more nervous, anxious, and stressed. They are more likely to experience other accidents because their attention suffers from the lack of quality sleep.
Panic Attacks
Everyone who experiences a panic attack knows that this situation is unpredictable and can happen anywhere. A car accident can unlock a panic attack. A bad memory or something that remains about the accident can be the step to a big panic attack even though we are not in danger.
How to Deal with Mental Issues A What Are the Most Common Causes of Distracted Driving:
After a Car Accident
The healing of a bad experience goes through different stages that are usually personal for each individual. However, there are some things that everyone can do to start feeling better.
When you experience mental issues as a result of a car accident is very important to share your feeling with your family and friends. The first step to depression is to isolate yourself. If you want to go through this bad experience you have to search for support from the people around you.
Trying to continue your life the way it was after the accident might be hard but you have to try. You should go back to your favorite activities and try to find pleasure in them.
Sometimes people can’t deal with such a situation alone. Then the best you can do is to seek professional help and have a consultation with a psychologist. The process of healing takes more for some people but each day you are closer to it.
My name is Rebecca McCarthy and I am an American girl with British heritage residing in the beautiful city of Nashville, Tennessee. I have always had a keen interest in cars, particularly brand new ones that showcase the latest technology and design features. I am also passionate about travelling and experiencing new cultures, as well as enjoying hot summer days with friends and family.