Mental Health Concerns After an Auto Accident

Experiencing an auto accident is physically and mentally strenuous, even if your injuries were minor. The degree of impact mixed with the high levels of emotions can stir a lot of stress within the body and mentally take a toll on motorists. The following days and weeks post-accident can bring about feelings and thoughts you may not expect. But just because you walked away OK doesn’t mean you should ignore your mental health concerns after an auto accident.

The Human Brain Is Complex

The complexity of the human brain stretches beyond what the average person can understand. There are multiple systems and networks at play at all times of the day. There are chemical connections, neurons firing, and hormones busy at work, which contribute to your day-to-day functions.

When you experience something traumatic, even as common as an auto accident, all these interconnected systems are at risk of jarring or overdrive. If the impact isn’t enough to signal trouble, the stress is. Some emotional damage can take weeks or months to appear, so monitoring your behaviors is critical in catching any signs of PTSD.

Symptoms of Emotional Distress

There are a few common signs of mental health decline after an auto accident that may include:

• Depression
• Inability to find joy in everyday situations
• Higher than normal levels of anxiety
• Disrupted sleep cycles
• Mood swings
• Withdrawal from typical human interactions

Even if you feel physically OK, continue to work on your emotional healing in the weeks after the accident. And remember to seek help if you begin to experience any of these mental health concerns and feel you cannot manage them alone. Because PTSD can often occur any time post-accident, obtain a medical evaluation immediately so that your records are up-to-date and accurate should you need help down the line.

Are You Eligible for Compensation?

Often, victims of auto accidents may be eligible for compensation under specific circumstances. After seeking medical care, it’s advisable to reach out to legal aid to learn more about your compensatory rights. They can collect all known data and determine your best chance at winning litigation.

It’s essential not to overlook any mental health concerns after an auto accident since these are damaging long-term and often change one’s life. Remember to seek immediate care and ask for help as the weeks unfold. It’s OK to ask for help after a traumatic event!