Find the mental health care you need following an auto accident trauma by calling (888) 412-8488 today.
Most people associate PTSD with military veterans. While such chaotic environments may cause this disorder, some everyday occurrences do, too, including car accidents. Even if you survived a car crash and walked away without physical injuries, you could still deal with invisible mental scars.
If you want to know how to deal with trauma after a motor vehicle accident, you’re not alone. Six million car accidents happen yearly in the U.S. According to a 2018 study on the prevalence of PTSD among survivors of auto accidents, up to 22.25% of survivors develop PTSD. PTSD mainly occurs as a result of car accidents more than any other event.
At Accident Help Zone, we eliminate the hassle of finding treatment that fits your needs. Learning how to manage PTSD each day poses a challenge for many people. When you search ‘best psychologist near me,’ you’ll get overwhelmed with options. We help you develop healthy coping mechanisms with regular treatment so you can get back to everyday life more easily.
Below, we provide information about PTSD, how to identify it, and how to cope with it.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs states that around 6% of the U.S. population has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at any given time. PTSD usually develops when a person experiences a traumatic event. It can take weeks or months for symptoms to show up afterward.
Symptoms can last or even worsen for months to years. Without professional treatment, you may have difficulty finding healthy ways to cope or lessen the symptoms’ severity. Other factors may increase your risk of developing PTSD after a car accident.
Some factors include:
Even if you don’t immediately notice any changes in thinking or emotion, stay mindful of your responses to different stimuli. PTSD symptoms may present themselves so subtly that you don’t notice them at first. When you keep notes of your responses, you’ll get an accurate diagnosis more quickly, which leads to better recovery options.
After a car accident, you may experience some strange reactions and feelings. While PTSD symptoms vary widely, you can identify a few common ones associated with car accidents. Read the following PTSD symptoms to see if you relate to any of them.
Many accident victims want to avoid certain situations or reminders of their accidents. For instance, you might avoid driving your vehicle, even if you used to drive constantly. You may also take different routes to avoid the accident location.
Your experience with avoidance may range from moderate but manageable anxiety to complete panic coupled with complete avoidance.
If your emotions seem to run wilder than they used to, you might have PTSD from a car accident. People close to you might describe your emotional response as unwarranted or too much. You may also feel like you lack control over your emotion’s intensity.
Some people experience memories of their car accident suddenly. You might go about your daily routine when an unwanted memory occupies your mind for no apparent reason. It can change the course of your mood for the rest of the day.
Similarly, flashbacks occur suddenly and without warning. However, they often put you right into the moment of the car accident. You may not differentiate between reality and memory.
As one of the more subtle signs, negative thought patterns can easily fly under the radar. Perhaps you used to tackle the day with enthusiasm. But a year later, your self-worth and view of the world have declined.
If you notice this change in yourself, you may have negative thought patterns due to PTSD.
If you want to know how to deal with trauma after a car accident, you have many options available at your fingertips. You just have to get the process started. While the road to recovery looks different for everyone, you can expect the process in New York or New Jersey to look a little like this.
When you get a diagnosis from a mental health professional, you’ve taken the first step. You need a mental health care provider who specializes in trauma recovery. Begin your search by typing ‘trauma psychologist near me’ into a search engine and look at reviews from past patients.
Once you find a trauma specialist, incorporate any prescribed therapy methods into your daily routine. You may receive a medical prescription to combat chemical imbalances. You can also use apps and journaling to track your symptoms, triggers, and what helps you cope.
While managing your PTSD diagnosis and continuing with life, don’t forget to practice self-care. Find a routine that works for you. Self-care looks different for everyone. Learn what makes you feel valued and positive about life. Then, implement it into your daily life.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, around 53% of people who receive treatment for PTSD will recover over time. A compassionate doctor, coupled with the right treatment complex, can help you discover how to deal with trauma after a car accident.
At Accident Help Zone, we’re committed to your car accident recovery. We know this is a trying time, but finding the right medical professional can significantly improve your recovery. Check out our free directory to find a car accident doctor near you today.
Doctors in our directory accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Call us at (888) 412-8488 to find a psychologist in NYC to help you recover faster. Same-day appointments may be available.
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