Emotional wounds can go deeper than physical ones. That’s why you could struggle to heal for months or even years after a car accident even if you did not suffer major physical injuries. It is important that you are patient with yourself and give yourself the time you need to heal from this traumatic experience.
It’s common for those in car or truck accidents to suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD can have minor or severe symptoms that range from depression and difficulty sleeping, to anxiety attacks, flashbacks and phobias. The following are some tips for healing emotionally after a car accident.
Get support from those you trust
Your loved ones are going to be your greatest allies in the weeks and months after your accident. They will be able to help you with practical things, but they should also be the ones that support your emotionally and allow you to talk about what you are feeling.
Keep a journal
Writing each day in a journal is a great way to help you process your emotions and to witness your progress. Bottling up emotions and not letting them out in verbal or written form can be detrimental to your mental health.
Get back behind the wheel
It’s common for those involved in car accidents to fear being in a vehicle again. This is understandable and a way that our minds try to protect us. Going to therapy or counseling can help you to work through these irrational but valid fears. If you are unable to get back into a car, exposure therapy could help you to take small steps toward living an ordinary life again.
Give yourself time
Everything takes time. Remember that just because you are feeling this way now does not mean you will continue to forever.
Make sure that you take action to file a personal injury claim if you believe that another party was responsible for the accident you were involved in.