Physical injuries get most of the attention after an accident because they are apparent from the get-go and pose an immediate threat to life. But the impact of an accident goes beyond the physical injuries to impact an accident victim’s psychological well-being.
Unfortunately, psychological injuries can go undiagnosed, especially if the victim doesn’t get the help they deserve. This guide highlights some of the most common psychological conditions suffered by accident victims you may want to be aware of, so keep reading to learn more.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental condition triggered by traumatizing events. It is characterized by relieving traumatic experiences through nightmares and flashbacks.
Besides nightmares and flashbacks, other indicators that a person could have PTSD include avoiding talking about the event in question, harboring negative thoughts about oneself, the world, and the future, and noticeable changes in a person’s physical and emotional reaction; for example, the person can become easily startled.
- Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety, or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), is a mental condition characterized by excessive worry and anxiety over various aspects of life. Unlike PTSD, GAD is not tied to a particular event.
Symptoms of GAD include irritability, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, panic attacks, and phobias. For example, a person that previously never had a fear of traveling develops such a fear that it becomes very difficult for them to ride in a car.
- Depression
Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of immense sadness and hopelessness. While experts are yet to discover the exact cause of depression, it is prevalent among individuals who have gone through extremely stressful experiences, such as the loss of a loved one or life-altering changes resulting from an event, for example, the loss of limbs in an accident.
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Besides the feelings of immense sadness and hopelessness, patients suffering from depression can harbor suicidal thoughts, lose their appetite, have difficulty concentrating, withdraw from people and activities they once loved and have difficulty sleeping.
Treatment for Psychological Conditions Resulting From an Accident
A proper diagnosis is the first step toward getting help for your psychological condition. While most psychological conditions accompany physical injuries, there are situations where they can occur even when physical injuries are not as significant.
Once a diagnosis is made, the treating doctor will recommend the help you should receive, including counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and sometimes medication.
Besides the help you get from professionals, personal input to healing is critical, so you may want to embrace some coping and healing strategies such as seeking support, self-care, educating yourself, and following through with the doctor’s advice.
Getting Your Medical Costs Covered With the Help of a Local Car Accident Attorney
The cost of treatment for psychological conditions can be pretty high and out of reach for some people. But you can recover losses incurred in medical expenses if another person’s negligence caused the accident.
However, recovering compensation requires filing a lawsuit with the help of a local car accident attorney. For example, if you get into an accident in Oregon, car accident attorneys in Oregon will be better placed to represent you than lawyers from other locations.
A local lawyer will have a deeper insight into local laws and will be more accessible whenever you need them, giving you a better chance at winning fair compensation.
Final Words
Psychological injuries are apparent during an accident and tend to be overlooked, but they can cause as much damage as other injuries. If you or a loved one exhibits symptoms of any of the psychological conditions mentioned in this guide, it is best to seek professional help as soon as possible.
