Millions of people are sent to the emergency room each year due to major car accidents. However, many car crash survivors have reported that they enjoy a lower quality of life after the accident even though they made a full physical recovery. If you recently survived a major accident, it’s vital that you pay attention to your mental health. Read on to learn how you can get your life back on track.
Be Open With Your Loved Ones
Your friends and family are inevitably going to worry about you after an accident. Some people find this overwhelming. You may be tempted to withdraw from the people who are close to you and try to cope with your trauma on your own.
This is a bad idea for several reasons. You might enter a downward spiral and because you have isolated yourself you may feel like you have no support network. Also, your decision to carry your burdens on your own will likely cause those who love you to worry even more.
Instead, let your loved ones know that you were in an accident and still need time to recover physically, mentally, and emotionally. They’ll be happy that you were honest with them and that they’re kept in the loop. They also will know to be there when you need them. Some of your loved ones might even share online resources that can aid you with recovery! If you ask them to help you search for online resources in your area, they will likely be more than happy to help.
Talk With A Mental Health Professional
Many people who are involved in car crashes or other accidents develop PTSD. This condition can cause symptoms like:
- Avoidance
- Mood swings
- Intrusive thoughts/memories
- Flashbacks to the accident
- Nightmares
This obviously will drastically reduce your quality of life. People with PTSD may experience the trauma over and over. Thankfully, a therapist can help you reduce the symptoms of PTSD and treat it.
With effective treatment, symptoms of PTSD can go away in time. Without it, the symptoms might get worse. Just the act of lowering your defences and talking to a therapist in a judgement-free environment can go a long way toward your feeling better. Many people who speak honestly and openly about what happened report less stress and anxiety.
A therapist can also help you to develop healthy coping skills for post-accident stress. These types of skills will help you to maintain your emotional balance outside of your therapy sessions. They may help alleviate your anxiety and stave off depression. For best results, keep all your appointments with your therapist and cooperate fully with treatment.
Drink A Lot Of Healthy Fluids
Many people suffer from soft tissue damage and inflammation after a major accident. In addition to immediate medical care, a number of doctors recommend drinking at least six cups of water each day. Staying hydrated promotes good physical health. Your cognitive function will also be boosted as the human brain is made up of approximately 73% water.
In addition to drinking more water, it is also important to avoid unhealthy beverages. These include sodas, alcohol, and beverages with high concentrations of caffeine. The ingredients in these beverages may dehydrate you and contribute to unpredictable mood swings. If you need a drink with some flavor, a few healthy options are herbal teas and freshly squeezed juices.
Go To Physical Therapy
Your mental well-being and physical health are intimately linked. If you’re doing poorly physically, you won’t be able to concentrate on your mental health. This is because you’ll likely be too wrapped up in physical pain to apply any helpful mental health suggestions.
Physical therapy can help you manage your physical pain. Once your physical condition is stable you will be able to focus on apply advice from your therapist. Working hard in physical therapy can also contribute to other mental health benefits. For example, many people experience less anxiety and depression symptoms when they realize that they will recover from their physical injuries.
Work With A Lawyer To Get Financial Compensation
Serious accidents that land you in the ER can cost a lot of money. Whether your injuries are from a car crash or a slip-and-fall accident, you may have to come up with several thousand dollars for treatment. This type of investment in your long term health is well worth it to get your life back on track, but it can cause a lot of money-related stress.
Luckily, there are ways that you can get your money back. A car accident lawyer can help you figure out how to get financial compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance agency. This money can help you cover expenses after the accident to reduce your financial concerns.
Some damages you may be entitled to include:
- Money to cover medical bills
- Funds to cover physical therapy
- Funds to cover wages lost while out of work
- Compensation if you lose your job because of the accident
- Temporary or permanent disability compensation
- Funds to cover therapy and psychiatry bills related to the accident
- Non-financial damages due to pain and suffering
Once you have the money you’re due, you can focus on de-stressing and helping yourself. Money will no longer be a primary concern.
Carve Out Time for Yourself
After an accident, you’ll need to pamper yourself a bit. This may sound silly, but self-care is extremely important for those who have undergone serious trauma.
Take a bubble bath. Burn a candle and read a good book. Drink some herbal tea and re-watch a favorite show.
You also may try to do some meditative or mindfulness exercises. Take deep breaths and try to clear your mind. ASMR sounds like crashing beach waves or tropical rain may help you to relax and stay in the present moment rather than re-living the trauma of the accident.
A major accident that causes injury can be a traumatizing event both physically and mentally. Now that you know some ways to take care of yourself, it’s time to learn more about the psychology of recovery.
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