Sustaining serious injuries from a motor vehicle accident can be traumatizing. Apart from it taking a toll on you physically, it may also have long-term effects on your mental health. This is because accidents can be scary and traumatic. When it comes to vehicular accidents, you might experience increased stress and anxiety every time you are on the road.
Below are three mental health conditions you may experience when you suffer serious injuries from an accident:
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a condition that is triggered by a traumatic event. Victims may experience flashbacks of the event and increased anxiety. You may also experience nightmares, intrusive memories and negative changes in your mood. In severe cases, you might have a debilitating fear of driving or getting in a vehicle again.
Anxiety
You might develop anxiety following a car crash due in large part to your body’s response to the accident. Both your body and mind perceive a threat while the accident is happening, and may activate your flight, fight, or freeze responses. Sometimes, these reactions may be overactive and your brain might associate everyday things, especially those associated with your accident, with a threat. Triggers may include picking up car keys, being stuck in traffic or being a passenger.
Depression
Physical pain, coupled with mental distress, can cause depression. While undergoing treatment, you may feel frustrated, sad, hopeless or empty. You may also lose interest in the activities that used to give you joy. You may also find yourself being indecisive or having difficulty accomplishing everyday tasks. Your appetite may change, as do you sleep patterns.
Treating your physical symptoms after a serious car should be your priority, but you should not take your mental health for granted.
