Dealing with PTSD After a Car Accident
A car accident is a traumatic experience, even if you suffer minor injuries like scrapes and bruises, but especially more serious ones like fractures. However, car accidents can cause more damage than just physical harm. After an event, it is normal for individuals to go through emotions such as worry, anger, anxiety, and sadness for several months or even longer. In some cases, these feelings may persist for a long time. It can also lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In fact, PTSD is a serious side effect of car accidents. which affects 25–33% of survivors,
This condition can cause difficulties, including challenges at work, struggles in maintaining relationships, and even the potential for substance abuse. It is important to recognize that your feelings are valid, and you have every right to seek help for the pain and suffering caused by a car accident. Thankfully, there are treatment methods available for PTSD. In this article, we’ll explore four strategies for managing and coping with PTSD.
Start a Therapy Session
Seeking counseling is an effective way to address and heal PTSD. A skilled therapist can help you understand your symptoms and develop coping mechanisms. Additionally, counseling provides a space where you can navigate through your experiences and sort out your feelings. Taking the step of consulting a therapist can go a long way in your recovery journey.
Many PTSD car accident survivors choose cognitive behavioral therapy to treat underlying anxiety symptoms and manage flashbacks or nightmares about the tragedy. But actually taking the step to ask for help may require some courage and you should make it easy for yourself. Start by searching for local physicians. For example, if you live in San Francisco, do a thorough research of the market, find the best bay area doctors are available, and contact them. Ask what type of treatment they are offering, their approach and methods. Are you likely to start with cognitive behavioral therapy, and how long does the treatment last. Once you find the right doctor, you can begin the treatment process that will help you achieve a healthy and fulfilling life.
practice mindfulness exercises
Mindfulness exercises, such as writing in a journal and meditating, can often help people cope with PTSD symptoms. You will probably need to learn how to stop and evaluate what situation caused your anxiety during the day or provoked a flashback. As you learn to recognize triggers, you can improve your ability to avoid or manage triggers in certain situations. Some people find that meditation helps them find a peaceful place inside themselves, while others choose to Express Your Anger and Fears Through Journaling, Working with a therapist can help you come up with new ideas or uncover the ideal coping approach for you.
Take defensive driving lessons to regain your confidence
It can be difficult to regain confidence behind the wheel after being involved in a car accident, and this is especially true for people suffering from PTSD. As a result, it may be beneficial to take defensive driving lessons after an accident. These seminars can help you refresh your understanding of traffic laws and gain practical driving experience. They can also help you regain your confidence and refresh your safe driving practices.
Seek comfort from your loved ones
Having someone with you can help you deal with these situations. If you usually attend your daughter’s basketball games alone, and you have trouble driving to the stadium, you can ask your spouse to come with you. Try to explain your demands to your loved ones. Request that they let you lead the discussion and that they support you without pressuring you to do anything you are not willing to do. Let your friends know that you still want to go out but that you may need more help than usual.
Also, if you know you have the support of a loved one, create a safe phrase that will notify them if conflict begins. Make it a casual comment or phrase that will alert them to the fact that you have a problem, whether it’s increased flashbacks or increased anxiety. A safe word can also help you deal with outbursts of anger toward family members after a tragedy. When a loved one yells the safe word, you know you’re out of control and need to settle down.
final thoughts
Suffering from PTSD after a car accident is difficult to understand and manage. Try to be objective about your emotional recovery and general functioning after this stressful event. Don’t stop seeking help because driving anxiety and PTSD can have a huge impact on your life. The longer you wait to get help, the longer these symptoms will last and possibly get worse. Most of the time, a combination of talk therapy and medication can help reduce PTSD symptoms.