Suffering a personal injury can have far-reaching consequences beyond the physical pain and discomfort it imposes. The psychological impact of such incidents is often underestimated, yet it can profoundly affect an individual’s mental well-being for an extended period.

Trauma like this can impact an individual in a variety of ways psychological and emotional effects, manifestations of physical symptoms, and interference with overall recovery. From anxiety and depression to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the psychological effects of personal injuries demand attention and support for comprehensive healing and recovery.

A Harsh Reality for Victims Post-Accident

In a study done by Oxford University across multiple study groups with a focus on the correlation between motor vehicle accidents and mental health order, we saw some of the reality of what happens to victim’s post-accidents.

• ⅓ of people involved in a crash suffer from PTSD, anxiety, and phobias for at least one year after the incident
• Across all study groups, the severity of the crash did not always indicate the level of trauma
• Patients who have been admitted for previous unintentional injuries are at 5 times greater risk of suicide after a crash
• Across all study groups, 25-33% of victims indicated that they had PTSD for at least 30 days after the incident
• It is estimated that there are around 2.5 – 7 million people who have accident-related PTSD in the United States alone
• Chronic pain is linked to PTSD for around 69% of victims

The Undeniable Reach of PTSD

Regardless of severity, car accidents are traumatic and are not the only incidents that can cause personal injury and mental health struggles post-accident. PTSD, anxiety, and depression have been seen after a variety of personal injury incidents including:

• Medical malpractice: Surgical error, Misdiagnosis, Failure to diagnose a dangerous condition, Improper prescriptions
• Wrongful death cases
• Animal bites and attacks
• Burn injuries
• Head, neck, or spinal cord injuries
• Civil batter
• Whiplash
• Product liability: Design defect, Manufacturing defect, Inadequate warnings about dangers
• Workplace accidents
• Slip and falls
• Food poisoning
• Aviation accidents
• Boating accidents
• Child injury cases
• Mass torts: Asbestos exposure

Common Mental Health Struggles

PTSD:

• Nightmares and or insomnia
• Depression and or anxiety
• Heightened reactions
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
• Avoidance of situations that resemble the trauma
• Unwanted but persistent memories of the trauma

Depression:

• General discontent
• Poor appetite
• Ruminating on unwanted thoughts
• Fatigue
• Loss of interest or pleasure in everyday activities
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts
• Excessive crying or irritability

Anxiety:

• Anxiety that does not go away and worsens over time
• Feelings of impending doom or being out of control
• Sweating, trembling, or racing heart
• Trouble sleeping
• Difficulty concentrating
• Unexplained aches and pains

Other common symptoms of mental health struggles for victims can include withdrawal from social events or human contact, intense loneliness, and mood swings that can range from intense anger to guilt. Another common symptom seen is a significant loss of confidence due to sustaining a major injury while doing an everyday task, post-accident victims often become weary or too scared to continue doing this task. These feelings can lead to developing new fears directly related to the task, incident, or injury.

Another factor that intensifies depression and anxiety is the financial aspects after accidents. The stress and strain from hefty medical bills, lost wages, the fear of not being able to provide, and the cost of ongoing treatment are major triggers for victims who suffer from depression or anxiety.

Tips For Moving Forward

Accidents are without a doubt life-changing, the trauma and the toll it takes on your mental health does not have to hold you in the same place for a lifetime. While all individuals will heal and move forward at their own pace, there are steps that you can take to help aid in making progress mentally and emotionally.

Recognize The Signs – Understanding and acknowledging the emotional toll and emotional responses post-accident is the first step in moving forward. Oftentimes individuals will put off seeking support or even remain in denial, which can worsen and prolong the victim’s anxiety, depression, PTSD, or overall feelings of helplessness.

Seek Emotional Support – Whether it is with family members or loved ones, support groups, or seeking professional help, addressing emotional and mental health in a space where individuals feel heard and safe can be a major factor in helping cope with the emotional toll that comes after a personal injury. Support groups can bring together individuals with similar experiences and allow for a safe space with a sense of community where support, guidance, and empathy can be found. Counselors and therapists can help individuals cope by developing strategies and best practices to help manage the symptoms of trauma, PTSD, anxiety, or depression.

Prioritize Physical Health – It is proven that physical and mental health are connected and after any traumatic event, both require attention and care. Physical rehabilitation after a personal injury can help boost confidence and foster a sense of accomplishment, promote independence, and help improve quality of life.

Focusing on physical health can range from a rehabilitation center where you work with medical professionals to help work through physical injuries or just keeping your physical health in check by eating a clean diet, staying hydrated, resting, and doing some form of physical activity. Rehabilitation can also give accident victims strategies and exercises to manage and relieve any ongoing pain symptoms to help regain any physical function post-accident.

Seek Compensation – Financial stress is a huge factor in depression and anxiety for many victims, and seeking compensation for physical injury, loss of wages, medical bills, cost of treatments, and emotional distress are all crucial.

If you are a loved one who was in an accident that not only caused you physical injuries but emotional or mental distress, contact Gechtman Law where our experienced team can help you get the compensation you deserve and help play a role in your journey of moving forward.