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Have you ever been in a road traffic accidents and experienced any personal injury that wasn’t your fault? In such cases, we immediately focus on the physical and financial harm we sustained. Little do we know, road traffic accidents have the tendency to traumatise us and create several mental health issues – that we often neglect!
According to the most recent study by British researchers, at least one-third of all individuals engaged in nonfatal motor vehicle accidents experience PTSD, persistent anxiety, fear and phobias, and depressive disorders a year after a road traffic accident.
Thus, this blog will look into the most common mental health issues caused by road traffic accidents, their symptoms and when to seek help. We will also discuss how filing a personal injury claim can help you cover general PSLA (pain, suffering and loss of amenity) damages.
Most Common Mental Health Issues Caused After Road Traffic Accidents
While some emotional anguish eventually passes, some psychological repercussions may last long and significantly harm your relationships, career, productivity, and overall mental health.
Unfortunately, many individuals don’t take mental health problems seriously and may even be unaware of how slowly they affect many elements of their lives. Nevertheless, as more and more people recognise mental health issues as real health issues and seek treatment, these misconceptions are gradually fading.
The following are the most common mental health issues people face after becoming a victim of a personal injury incident, their symptoms and when to seek help:
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Another mental health problem that affects both road traffic accident victims is depression, often known as major depressive disorder (MDD). Depression in accident victims is frequently linked to their physical wounds and suffering.
Symptoms Of Major Depressive Disorder
After being in a car accident or having your bicycle knocked off by a car, you might suffer from depression. If you exhibit any of these symptoms, you should consult a psychologist as soon as possible.
- Daily fatigue and lack of energy
- Lack of enjoyment or interest in activities
- Decreased concentration, i.e., attention deficit
- An inability to sleep or difficulty waking up
- Irrational irritability or anger
When to Seek Help?
If you suddenly lose interest in activities you used to enjoy because of a debilitating injury, it’s no surprise you may become depressed. Untreated depression can result in:
- Persistent anxiety and stress disorder
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Recurring suicidal thoughts
Never presume that a mental health problem will resolve itself. Don’t hesitate to contact a mental healthcare professional immediately if you face depression.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
The most typical mental health condition survivors of road traffic accidents face post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, many of the PTSD symptoms are also present in acute stress disorder (ASD); however, they last for less than four weeks.
Symptoms Of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
It can be challenging to identify PTSD because each person’s symptoms vary, and some people may not completely express them until weeks after a personal injury. It’s best to see if any of the following applies to you:
- Have recurrent memories of the event and flashbacks
- Have recurrent memories of the event and flashbacks
- Avoid those who, places, or things that bring up the collision in your mind.
- Hypervigilance, on high alert, or suspicious all the time
- Mood swings and bothersome thoughts
When to Seek Help?
If you attempt to manage mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, it may substantially impact your life. Untreated PTSD can result in the following:
- Problems with anger management
- Depression and loneliness
- Recurring suicidal thoughts
If you think you could be experiencing PTSD, be sure to get in touch with our leading trauma psychologists and get your initial assessment done immediately.
Persistent/ Long-Lasting Anxiety
The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports moderate and severe anxiety levels can persist for weeks or even months after a road traffic accident. Many people experience mild anxiety for months after a serious crash, but if the worry persists, you may need to see a doctor.
Symptoms Of Persistent Anxiety
Around 8-46% population reported having high to moderate levels of anxiety in the first month after a car accident, lasting for as long as eight months. Signs and symptoms of persistent anxiety include:
- Panic attacks triggered by sights, sounds, and smells
- Higher-than-normal fatigue and sleep disorder
- Frequent nightmares or flashbacks
- Headaches, chest pain, dizziness and nausea
- Muscular tension due to prolonged anxiety
When to Seek Help?
As anyone with a generalised anxiety disorder can confirm, anxiety can significantly affect your day-to-day activities. People who have anxiety brought on by particular events, such as a road traffic accident, may experience side effects, including:
- Development of dystychiphobia, the fear of being in a car accident
- It can weaken your immune system and create cardiac issues
- Worsen conditions like asthma, hypertension and high/low blood pressure
Please don’t be afraid to ask your doctor or any medical expert for assistance if you are going through persistent anxiety or any anxiety episodes following a road traffic accident.
Claim the Costs of Mental Health Treatments After Road Traffic Accidents!
When you file a claim for a personal injury, the claims mostly cover economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include financial theft and loss. However, mental health problems are part of non-economic damages and pain and suffering (PSLA).
It can be difficult to put a dollar amount on your physical and mental anguish, but a skilled personal injury expert can help you collect the compensation you deserve. Your lawyer may be able to include the price of prescription drugs, counselling, therapies and rehab as part of the damages you are entitled to.
These compensations are claimed from the party that was at fault in your crash if you file a personal injury claim. In addition, Concise Medico makes the process easier and simpler by providing expert witness reports and testimony for the psychological injuries you face because of a personal injury that wasn’t your fault.
To learn more, contact us immediately to set up a free consultation!
Or schedule a call back via (01282) 786 185 or drop an email at [email protected] today!
