PTSD After Your Car Wreck
Did you know that post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is common in people who have experienced a car wreck? Regardless of the severity of the accident, people process situations and their emotions differently. Studies have shown that car wrecks are the leading cause of PTSD amongst people today, and experts view it as a dangerous condition if not treated properly.
Post-traumatic stress disorder has the ability to affect every area of a person’s life. The majority of people often associate it with military service members who were involved in active combat. But the truth is, PTSD affects anyone who has experienced a traumatic situation such as a car wreck, natural disaster, physical or sexual assault, etc. PTSD is a mental health condition that can lead to an overwhelming amount of anxiety, as well as disabling memories that will prevent a person from living their normal life.
When you have recovered from your injuries, we recommend trying to maintain your typical day-to-day routine, as well as finding someone to talk to. Whether you speak to a counselor, family member, or friend, it helps to talk about the trauma you have experienced. The amount of trauma that a person experiences in a motor vehicle can lead to future side effects through PTSD, and can impact how a person lives their daily life. When a person has post-traumatic stress disorder stimulated by a car wreck, that person may be forced to overcome the fear and memories from their previous accident every time they get behind the wheel. The best way to treat this is with Cognitive Behavior Therapy. CBT is a type of psychotherapy that has consistently been found to be effective for short term and long term treatment. It focuses on identifying, understanding, and changing thinking and behavior patterns. There are also several medications that have shown signs of success in treating those who have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. The most common types of medications used are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRI’s. These are antidepressants, and depressed moods can be part of PTSD.
There is nothing at all to be ashamed of for seeking treatment or medication for post-traumatic stress disorder after a motor vehicle collision. It is better to be safe than sorry when dealing with one’s mental health. PTSD is very much associated with motor vehicle accidents and should always be taken seriously. If you’ve been injured in a car wreck, we encourage you to reach out to a personal injury attorney today. The lawyers at Greene & Phillips are available by phone 24/7, or you can stop by our office during normal business hours. We are located at 51 North Florida Street in Mobile.
