Car crashes prove traumatic for most people who experience them. Not only do they leave lasting physical impacts in some cases, but they can also have a mental toll, too.
What sort of mental health struggles may a person expect if they experienced a car crash?
The impact of mental health issues
The Anxiety & Depression Association of America discusses the mental impact of crashes on the victims. Trauma, anxiety and depression all make up various effects that crashes may have.
As far as trauma goes, post-traumatic stress disorder and other forms of trauma or stressor disorders are unfortunately common among crash victims. This can include issues like sleeplessness, recurring nightmares, anguish, fearfulness and more.
Anxiety may result in paranoia and fear of getting into another crash. Depression can cause a victim to feel a general sense of listlessness or malaise. They may lose their joys in life and feel that living has lost its meaning or purpose.
The importance of treatment
Together or even individually, these mental health effects can have a serious impact on a victim’s well-being. This is why it is crucial for crash accident victims to get mental health care and treatment if necessary.
It may help to see a therapist, a psychologist, a psychiatrist or any other mental health professional. It may also help to get on a medication that can help with some of the more severe symptoms of trauma.
Having the tools necessary to handle trauma can help not only with the aftermath of a car crash but can aid a person in further situations later in life.