Coping With PTSD Following a Traffic Accident

When you’ve been through a harrowing car accident, it can seem like the entire world was flipped on its head. The risk for PTSD following a car accident is actually common. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, more than 7.2 million traffic collisions occurred in 2016 alone. Though statistics vary, it’s safe to say that feeling stressed or anxious after a car crash is incredibly common, whether you were the responsible party or a victim in the accident.

In the initial aftermath of an accident, it’s normal to experience feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression, especially when you have to ride in a car again. Are you experiencing PTSD following a car or truck accident? Here are some of the best ways that you can cope with the trauma you’re feeling when something like this occurs.

If you’re a truck driver, take a leave of absence

If you’re a truck driver or if you drive for your profession, traffic accidents are a very real risk of your trade. And if you do end up getting into a collision while driving a large truck, it can be especially terrifying. After all, your livelihood is on the line. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious driving after an accident, you likely won’t want to get behind the wheel any time soon.

Unfortunately, this won’t help you pay the bills. If you hope to stay in the driving industry, you need to take time to get back on your feet again. Getting behind the wheel too soon could trigger feelings of unease and stress. It might even influence your ability to drive. And if there’s an insurance settlement or lawsuit involved, your best bet is to wait until your truck accident case is resolved. Lean on a truck accident attorney in Denver or find one in your own city—someone who has plenty of experience dealing with this type of case. They can help you determine the financial and legal sides of coping with your accident. Once this is resolved, you can think about going back to work again.

Lean on your support systems

Your family, friends, and community will want you to get better. After all, no one wants to see their loved one get stressed out and experience feelings of depression. As you heal from your injuries both mentally and physically, leaning on your systems of support might make a bad situation a little bit better.

For example, you shouldn’t feel bad asking for your family to help with sudden, unexpected medical bills. Car accidents often result in property damage and other damages to the passenger vehicle, especially if an 18-wheeler was involved. Catastrophic injury from an accident like this requires ample medical care. You’re not going to be able to heal mentally until all of your physical issues are cared for. Unfortunately, this is often extremely expensive. See if your loved ones can set you up with a crowdfunding site to help raise money to pay your medical bills.

You can also consider leaning on the church for spiritual guidance. You likely have a lot of feelings right now: stress, anger, and frustration. When this occurs, relying on scripture can be a good way to gain clarity. Read your bibles with your community leaders and friends to seek truth in your accident, whether you were the accident victim or perpetrator. God’s word could be essential as you strive to find forgiveness and acceptance.

Consider going to therapy

At the end of the day, your family can only do so much. When you want an unbiased third party to offer you advice and coping mechanisms for mental health concerns, relying on a therapist is your best bet.

Therapists are a form of medical care professionals that are adept at treating a variety of issues, from PTSD to depression to bipolar disorder. Getting into a car accident can create new mental health issues along with exacerbating old ones. Relying on a therapist or other counselor will give you the tools you need to work through these issues and develop coping mechanisms to keep your stress under control.

There’s no easy way to recover from a serious car crash like a trucking accident. When you’re feeling overwhelmed as a result of a serious injury, rely on these tips to better cope with your PTSD.