From physical injuries to financial hardships, you could struggle with multiple hardships in the wake of a car crash. Sadly, motor vehicle collisions often impact victims from a mental standpoint as well. The U.S. National Library of Medicine states that some people develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of a traffic crash.
If you are struggling with PTSD, focus on your mental well-being and take steps to improve your mental health. Sometimes, victims benefit from psychotherapy and certain medications can also help with the symptoms of PTSD.
Risk factors that increase susceptibility to PTSD
Motor vehicle collisions can lead to PTSD, and MedLine Plus outlines additional factors that often increase the likelihood that one will struggle with PTSD. For example, those with little support following a traumatic crash, women and accident victims who face additional stressors following a crash (such as losing a job) are especially likely to develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. If you are suffering from PTSD following a wreck, it is important to realize strategies to improve your mental well-being, such as seeking treatment and avoiding negative thoughts and certain activities or places that trigger flashbacks.
Addressing PTSD after an accident
Aside from therapy, medication and avoiding triggers, you should also seek support from loved ones and even online groups. Moreover, if a reckless driver caused these hardships, look into your legal options. Some victims secure compensation for their traumatic experiences, which helps them deal with other hardships that arise following an accident (such as financial problems due to the inability to work and medical costs).
