How a Psychologist Can Help You After a Motor Vehicle Accident
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two million people are injured, and over 32,000 are killed annually from motor vehicle accidents. Some of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents include drunk driving, speeding, distracted driving, drowsy driving, and aggressive driving. However, while physical injuries are almost inescapable in motor vehicle accidents, a motor vehicle accident does more than physically harm a person. After a motor vehicle accident, a victim can suffer mental harm. According to the research, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of mental trauma for men and the second leading cause of mental trauma for women. It is crucial to take mental harm seriously after a motor vehicle accident. In this article, we discuss some of the common mental health issues that arise after a motor vehicle accident and what a psychologist can do for you after a motor vehicle accident.
Common Mental Health Issues After a Motor Vehicle Accident
After an auto collision, you may develop serious mental health issues and continue to experience these issues for months or even years. The following are some of the common mental health issues people suffer after being involved in a motor vehicle collision;
Depression
Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects how you feel, behave, and think. Depression can make you feel sad most of the time and lose interest in activities you once enjoyed. This condition can result in various emotional and physical issues and decrease your ability to function. Other common symptoms of depression include the following;
- Reduced appetite and weight loss
- Increased cravings and weight gain
- Slowed thinking
- Trouble concentrating, remembering things, and making decisions
- Suicidal thoughts
Anxiety
Anxiety is when you constantly experience feelings of tension and worried thoughts. You may also experience physical changes, such as increased blood pressure. For example, after an auto accident, you may experience feelings of panic each time you get behind the wheel. This may be a sign of anxiety.
PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after an auto accident is quite common. If you are, among other things, mentally re-experiencing the accident, regularly avoiding thoughts or situations associated with the crash (e.g. avoiding driving or getting into a vehicle), or experiencing increased irritability, you might have PTSD.
What a Psychologist Can Do for You After a Motor Vehicle Accident
Psychologists are trained to help people learn how to deal with mental health challenges. After a motor vehicle accident, a psychologist can help diagnose a mental health condition. Once your condition is diagnosed, your psychologist will use an assortment of treatments to help you improve your life. Your psychologist may use therapy, also called psychotherapy or talk therapy, to help you. If necessary, your psychologist may also use medication to help you manage your mental health condition. If you need medication, your psychologist will work with your primary doctor for your overall treatment. Generally, psychologists cannot prescribe medication.
Contact Us for Legal Help
You may be entitled to compensation if you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident in Florida. Our Fort Myers Personal Injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can assess your case and determine if you have a valid personal injury claim. If you have a claim, we can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Orlando, Ocala, Tampa, Jacksonville, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, Miami, West Palm Beach, Naples, Melbourne, and Fort Lauderdale areas.
Source:
cdc.gov/vitalsigns/motor-vehicle-safety/index.html#:~:text=However%2C%20more%20than%2032%2C000%20people%20are%20killed%20and%202%20million%20are%20injured%20each%20year%20from%20motor%20vehicle%20crashes
