It’s easy to overlook when we’re experiencing a mental health issue. Often, we convince ourselves that we’re just “stressed” and that it’s only a passing phase, thinking we’ll be back to normal soon. This dismissal becomes even more likely when we’re already going through something significant, like a car accident or a severe sports injury. Car accidents are unsettling by nature, and even small ones can raise your stress levels considerably.
After a major accident, it’s common to feel depression, anxiety, and other uncomfortable emotions. Therefore, it’s crucial to recognize what feelings are normal and when you might benefit from talking to a therapist.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one of those mental health conditions that’s often misunderstood. Many believe it only affects people who have faced extremely harrowing experiences, like soldiers in combat or children who have been abducted. However, PTSD can stem from events that are not necessarily life-threatening. The sudden death of a family member, for instance, can trigger it. PTSD symptoms may appear soon after the traumatic event or even years later and can manifest in categories like “re-experiencing symptoms” and “avoidance symptoms.”
Re-experiencing symptoms can include flashbacks and nightmares, while avoidance symptoms might lead someone to stay away from places, activities, or objects that remind them of the traumatic event. For example, someone who has been in a serious freeway crash might avoid driving on the freeway afterward. Even contacting an insurance company or discussing the accident with a repair shop could cause significant anxiety. Similarly, if you’ve been injured at the gym, you might find it hard to go back.
PTSD symptoms can vary in intensity, and it’s not unusual for someone to feel okay one moment and then be overwhelmed by memories in the middle of the night. If you’re struggling to regain control of your life or if disturbing thoughts persist for more than a month, it’s important to see a doctor or mental health professional. Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should seek help immediately.
Depending on the details of the accident, there might be legal options available to you. If the other driver was reckless or negligent, you might consider consulting with an accident attorney about filing a personal injury suit. Sometimes, winning a court case can help affirm that the accident wasn’t your fault and you deserve healing. However, not everyone feels comfortable going through a legal process, as it can bring back painful memories of the incident.
Getting an initial free consultation with a lawyer can be a good step, but if legal action isn’t feasible, there are still other ways to recover. Severe injuries, especially those related to sports, might have required hospitalization and physical therapy. Pursuing a career in allied health can be a way to give back and make use of the care you received from medical professionals. While you can’t change the past, helping others can be a meaningful way to shape the future.
Regardless of the cause of your injury, you can overcome it and look forward to a healthy life ahead!