Serious accidents – whether they involve cars, motorcycles, or 18-wheelers – are devastating. Accidents affect victims and their loved ones financially, physically, and emotionally. If you and your loved ones are facing the long-term physical and psychological effects of a serious personal injury accident, it can be hard to know where go for help after the immediate medical procedures are over. But there is help! As a personal injury firm committed to your holistic well-being, we’ve outlined some ways to understand and manage the long-term emotional impact of a serious car, motorcycle, or truck accident.
What is Psychological Trauma?
Psychological trauma – also called emotional trauma – is the result of stressful events that attack your sense of security, and make you feel helpless. Traumatic experiences often involve a threat to life or safety, but any situation that leaves you feeling overwhelmed and isolated can result in trauma, even if it doesn’t result in physical harm. The more frightened and helpless you feel, the more likely you are to be traumatized. According to HelpGuide, emotional and psychological trauma is often caused by one-time events such as an accident or injury. Remember that even if you were not involved directly in an accident, you might suffer trauma if someone you care about was involved.
Symptoms of Psychological Trauma
Everyone reacts to different types of trauma in different ways, resulting in a wide range of possible physical and emotional reactions. HelpGuide reminds us that there is no “right” or “wrong” way to think, feel, or respond. Remember that your responses are normal reactions to abnormal events.
Emotional & psychological symptoms of trauma can include:
- Shock, denial, or disbelief
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Anger, irritability, mood swings
- Anxiety and fear
- Guilt, shame, self-blame
- Withdrawing from others
- Feeling sad or hopeless
- Feeling disconnected or numb
Physical symptoms of trauma can include:
- Insomnia or nightmares
- Fatigue
- Being startled easily
- Difficulty concentrating
- Racing heartbeat
- Edginess and agitation
- Aches and pains
- Muscle tension
What Resources are Available for Psychological Trauma?
Psychological trauma is serious! It can leave you struggling with deeply disturbing emotions, memories, and anxiety that won’t go away. It can also leave you feeling numb, disconnected, and unable to trust other people. After a traumatic incident, it can take a while for those affected to feel safe again. But there are avenues of support that can help speed up your recovery. Whether you’ve recently experienced trauma or are dealing with the effects of a traumatic event that happened years ago, it’s not too late to seek the help of a professional trauma therapist. According to WebMD, trauma therapy has three main goals:
- Improve your symptoms
- Teach you skills to deal with past trauma
- Change the thought patterns that are disturbing your life
- Restore your self-esteem
If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious car accident in Shreveport Louisiana, don’t hesitate to get the caring and comprehensive legal assistance you deserve! Downs Law Firm can help you pursue the compensation you’re entitled to under law, while simplifying this stressful season of your life. Get started today by calling 318-284-8551 or sending us a message online.