Are You Living with PTSD After a Car Accident?
Car crashes can be extremely stressful and traumatic, whether they cause serious physical injuries or not. Trauma can result in anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Emotional strain is possible if the accident was the fault of another or caused by the sufferer themselves.
PTSD can interfere with your ability to thrive in your day-to-day life. Some estimates say around a third of individuals who experience a serious car crash will experience PTSD. Seeking treatment for physical injuries and mental health issues is an important part of healing. Then, talk over compensation options with a Baltimore car accident lawyer.
PTSD Treatments
A mental health professional can help you manage PTSD symptoms. For example, some find keeping a routine is helpful. A predictable schedule gives you something to expect when you are feeling a lack of control. For some, this could mean establishing a morning ritual that includes getting up at a set time, having a consistent breakfast, and taking the same route to work each day. Unexpected events can raise the possibility of PTSD symptoms occurring.
Of course, there are times when PTSD is too severe to be mitigated with simple habit changes and other paths to relief need to be explored. In those situations, ongoing therapy and certain medications may help with an individual’s recovery.
Seeking professional care for both physical injuries and emotional issues is the first step to establishing a treatment plan that works for you. Always keep documentation of all of your care visits. Then, if an insurance company pushes back on the need for compensation, there will be documentation connecting the need for care to the car crash.
Nightmares and other Symptoms of PTSD
Many who suffer from PTSD find they have lifelike nightmares, bad dreams that can take them right back to the accident scene. Some remember their dreams clearly, others do not remember the dreams but wake up shaking and sweating. Other PTSD symptoms include the following:
- Flashbacks
- Inability to sleep
- General feeling of distress
- Depression and anxiety
- Feelings of guilt or irritability
- Avoiding cars or any reminders of the event
Feeling upset, confused, and helpless following a car accident is natural. After all, a flood of emotions often come in response to a traumatic event. But if you find these emotions are not dissipating over time, it is important to seek help. With PTSD, the symptoms could progress and get worse unless they are addressed.
If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available. A Baltimore car accident lawyer can help you secure the needed damage recovery for therapy bills and medical expenses.
Are you unable to sleep because you are experiencing anxiety following a car accident? Let our attorneys work toward a fair settlement for you and your family. Do not be deterred by the suggestion of a reduced or denied claim. You have rights. Healing from car accidents is difficult, let us take care of the legalities. Reach out to the legal team at Iamele & Iamele, LLP to understand your options. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
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