How Car Accidents Can Lead to Anxiety and Ways to Manage It
Car Accidents are unexpected and traumatic events that lead to both physical injuries and emotional trauma. Among various types of emotional issues like depression and PTSD, anxiety is one of the most common physiological responses to a car accident. Anxiety can affect a car accident victim in many ways, like feeling scared to drive after an accident or even being in the passenger seat while someone else drives.
Knowing how to deal with anxiety and how to treat anxiety can help the injured person recover better. When you understand the nature of your anxiety, it becomes easier. In times like this, it is always a good option to hire a car accident lawyer in Carmichael so that you can resolve your emotional recovery while they help you deal with financial recovery from the aftermath of the accident, like loss of income, medical bills,property damage, and more.
Let’s find out more about anxiety after a car accident so you or you close ones are well-prepared for the time ahead.
What Leads To Anxiety After A Car Accident?
Developing anxiety after a brutal car accident or any other traumatic incident is quite natural and expected. As noted in a study by the National Institute of Health (NIH), about 25% to 33% of people experience anxiety after being involved in a car accident. This post-accident anxiety can stem from various factors, including:
1. No control over the Accident
Car accidents are unexpected and can leave the person terrified. Due to this unforeseen event, you might feel a loss of power, which can put the body in fight or flight mode. This causes anxiety symptoms such as a racing heartbeat, sweating, and trouble breathing.
2. Fear of the unknown and What is About to Come
After an accident, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by concerns about possible injuries, damage to your vehicle, financial burdens, and dealing with the legal side of things. This uncertainty often heightens anxiety and makes it tough to stay calm.
3. Flashbacks Of The Event and Disturbing Nightmares
The memories of the car accident may come flooding back or appear in nightmares, leading to emotional turmoil and disrupted sleep, which can make your anxiety worse.
4. Dealing With The Legal Process
When an accident occurs, and there is injury or property damage, both parties involved need to file for insurance to help pay for the damage caused. Handling insurance claims and negotiating with the responsible party after an accident can be incredibly stressful, especially if you are injured and incapable of doing so. This often increases feelings of anxiety, making the entire situation even more overwhelming.
Overall, dealing with injuries and then nightmares can make the whole recovery process difficult and make your anxiety worse. Of course, some of this burden can be handled by an accident lawyer sacramento. They can help you get the compensation you deserve from the insurance claims and fight with the insurance companies to prove your physical injuries and emotional trauma and get the maximum compensation for you.
How To Cope With Anxiety After A Car Accident?
It is natural to feel anxious after a car accident, and a lot of things can trigger your anxiety, for example –
- Entering a car
- Noticing wrecked vehicles
- Hearing loud sounds like sirens
- Driving in weather conditions similar to when your accident happened
- Passing by the spot where your crash occurred
If your anxiety gets worse, you need to get medical help, or you can manage your anxiety directly with the help of some coping strategies that are mentioned below.
Don’t be afraid to speak with close friends, family, or a mental health expert. When you express your thoughts and feelings, your friends and family can offer you the support, understanding, and validation you need. This can make it easier to work through your emotions and find ways to move forward and past the accident.
- Try relaxing by practicing deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation to soothe your mind and ease anxiety.
- Try Journaling by recording your thoughts and emotions about the accident. Doing this can be a powerful way to process your feelings and gain a fresh perspective.
- If you notice that certain sounds or situations make your anxiety worse after your accident, do your best to avoid these triggers whenever you can.
- Prioritize self-care by focusing on activities that nurture your well-being. Make sure to get plenty of sleep, eat nutritious foods, drink enough water, and engage in activities that bring you happiness and satisfaction.
- Try out CBT. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, is great for dealing with anxiety. They help you recognize and question negative thoughts, build effective coping strategies, and slowly face your fears connected to your accident.
- You can connect with an online support group of people suffering like you. When you connect with fellow car accident survivors, you feel a sense of belonging, affirmation, and motivation.
- Driving is an important part of life that you will have to get back to someday, and if you are anxious about driving, try gradual exposure therapy. Working with a trained therapist can help you address your fears in a safe and controlled way.
Healing from a car accident, both physically and emotionally, requires time and patience. It’s important to give yourself the space to recover and understand that it’s a gradual process. While you are healing, a car accident lawyer in Carmichael can take care of the rest. If the other party is at fault for the accident, a lawyer will take care of your rights and claims process to get the maximum compensation you deserve.
Struggling with Anxiety After a Car Accident? Let Doyle & O’Donnell Handle The Legal Process For You!
After a major car accident, dealing with everything can become overwhelming, especially when anxiety starts to take over. At Doyle & O’Donnell, we understand the emotional and financial challenges you are facing and are here to take the next step for you. Our experienced car accident lawyer in Carmichael is here to guide you and make sure you get the compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery.
Don’t let anxiety hold you back any longer. Reach out to Doyle & O’Donnell today and let us help you find relief and resolution.