Top Signs You May Have PTSD From Your Car Accident

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When most people think of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), they associate it with veterans or individuals who have been through abuse or another horrific event. However, PTSD can occur after any type of traumatic event – including a car accident.

The Unfortunate Reality

The mental injury caused by car accidents is often overlooked despite the case numbers being alarming. Study results published by the Journal of Nervous and Mental Health Disease show that nearly 33% of individuals involved in a car accident will experience PTSD. And while it’s normal to have some anxiety and stress after an accident, if you find that your symptoms are interfering with your daily life, it may be time to seek help from a mental health professional.

Recognizing the Symptoms

So, how do you know if you have PTSD after a car accident? Here are some of the top signs:

You Can’t Stop Thinking About the Accident

If you find yourself reliving the accident over and over again in your mind, it’s a sign that you may be suffering from PTSD. You may have intrusive thoughts or images of the accident that pop into your head at random times. These thoughts can be so realistic that they cause you to feel as if you’re reliving the accident all over again. 

You Avoid Anything That Reminds You of the Accident

If you start to avoid anything that may remind you of the accident, it’s another sign that you may be suffering from PTSD. For example, you may avoid driving or getting in a car. Or, you may take a different route to work to avoid the street where the accident happened.

You’re Always on Edge

If you find yourself feeling on edge all the time, it could be a sign of PTSD. You may be jumpy and easily startled. You may also have difficulty concentrating or sleeping. In some cases, you may find yourself bracing for impact even when there is no imminent danger. 

You’re Feeling Numb

In some cases, people with PTSD may feel numb and disconnected from the world around them. This is known as dissociation. Dissociation can make you feel like you’re in a daze or out of your body. You may feel disconnected from your emotions or have difficulty remembering details about the accident.

You’re Experiencing Mood Swings or Nightmares

Mood swings are another common symptom of PTSD. You may find yourself feeling angry, irritable, or even violent for no reason. You may also have difficulty enjoying activities that you used to enjoy or feel hopeless about the future. In some cases, people with PTSD may also experience nightmares or flashbacks of the accident.

Life after a car accident isn’t easy. Be sure to hire a local personal injury attorney like those at Graves Edward M III Law Office in your area to help you resolve the legal aspects as soon as possible. Once the legal medical issues are taken care of, you’ll have more time to focus on your mental well-being. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional who can diagnose and treat your PTSD. With proper treatment, you can learn to manage your symptoms and live a happy and healthy life.

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