Recognizing the Symptoms of PTSD After a Car Accident

 Posted on June 15, 2018 in Car Accident

Car accidents do not only cause physical injuries. They can also cause victims to suffer psychological injuries, sometimes alongside physical injuries and in other cases, alone.

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the psychological ways a car accident victim can suffer after being involved in a collision. It stems from the trauma of being put through an extremely stressful situation. Like other psychological disorders, it can be difficult to recognize PTSD symptoms when you do not know what to look for. Below are a few PTSD symptoms that can arise after a car accident. PTSD is treatable with medication and psychotherapy. If you think you are suffering from PTSD after a car accident, seek help.

Self-Destructive Behaviors

An individual with PTSD can exhibit self-destructive behaviors, behaviors that sabotage happiness and recovery. A few examples of self-destructive behaviors include:

• Overeating;
• Undereating;
• Social suicide through deliberately alienating behaviors;
• Self harm;
• Sabotaging their relationships;
• Neglecting their physical and mental health;
• Maintaining negative, self-defeating mindsets;
• Refusing to be helped; and
• Drug and alcohol abuse.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a disorder characterized by persistent feelings of worry and self-consciousness. Often, it manifests as an avoidance of anything that reminds the victim of the scenario that led to his or her original traumatic event.

Anxiety can be a sign of PTSD. Individuals who suffer from anxiety can experience stomach cramps, physical weakness, shortness of breath, and sweaty hands because of the condition.

Loss of Interest in Activities the Victim Once Enjoyed

Loss of interest in the activities one previously enjoyed is a symptom of depression, which can be a symptom of PTSD. Even without a depression diagnosis, an individual suffering from PTSD can find him or herself detached from friends and family and unable to find pleasure in the things he or she once enjoyed.

Flashbacks

Individuals with PTSD can also experience flashbacks to their traumatic events. When this happens, the individual feels like he or she has been transported back to the moment the traumatic event occurred. He or she feels the same terror and uncertainty that accompanied the original event.

Being in situations similar to the one that led to the original event can "trigger" a flashback. Often, PTSD victims actively avoid these situations, which can fuel their anxiety.

Work with an Experienced Fox River Grove Car Accident Lawyer

Never underestimate how severely a mental condition like PTSD can affect your life. If you are experiencing PTSD after being involved in a car accident, get help. You can pursue monetary compensation for the money you spend on mental healthcare and for the reduced quality of life you suffered because of your condition through a personal injury claim. To learn more, contact our team of car accident lawyers at Newland & Newland, LLP today to set up your initial consultation in our office. We serve clients in the Arlington Heights, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Libertyville, Mundelein, Buffalo Grove, Schaumburg, Elk Grove, and Itasca areas.

(image courtesy of Blake Cheek)