After a car accident, people might sustain some injuries. They can be physical and mental. While most people will go to the doctor to get their physical injuries checked so they can start treating them, they might not realize they have to take care of their mental injuries as well.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced an event that was shocking, scary, or dangerous.
Getting treatment for PTSD and healing physical injuries after a car accident could get expensive. You might have difficulty focusing on your recovery if you’re spending a lot of time worrying about bills. That’s where the Solomon Law Group can help you. We have experience in car accident cases and do all we can to get you the compensation you need.
What Are the Symptoms of PTSD?
Symptoms PTSD usually occur within three months of the traumatic incident, in this case the car accident. But there are times when symptoms can occur years after the incident.
When symptoms last more than one month and start to negatively affect your relationships and work, then it is considered PTSD.
The symptoms of PTSD are:
- Repeatedly experiencing at least one symptom, like flashbacks or nightmares.
- One avoidance symptom, like avoiding thinking about the event or staying away from anything that could remind you of the event.
- Two arousal and reactivity symptoms, such as feeling on edge or bring easily startled.
- At least two mood and cognition symptoms, like difficulty remembering main details of the event, negativity, feeling blame, and losing interest in activities you used to enjoy.
Not everyone develops PTSD. Some factors specific to you might put you at risk or make you more resilient to getting PTSD.
If you have gone through any of the following, you’re at a higher risk of developing PTSD:
- Are living through traumas.
- Are getting hurt or saw someone else get hurt.
- Experienced trauma during childhood.
- Have no support after the event.
- Have mental illness.
- Abused substances in the past.
On the other hand, the factors that make you less likely to develop PTSD are:
- Getting support from others, like family, friends, or support groups.
- Learning how to feel okay about how you responded to danger.
- Implementing a good coping strategy.
- Ability to act even when you’re scared.
Do Car Accident Victims Experience PTSD?
Motor vehicle accidents are a main cause of PTSD. A study showed that 25% of males said it was the most traumatic event most had experienced and 13% of females said it was the second most traumatic event. About 9% of people involved in an accident will develop PTSD.
It’s extremely important for you to evaluate all parts of your health after a car accident. Meeting with a mental health care professional will get you on the right track of taking care of your mind.
Do You Need a Columbia Car Accident Lawyer?
Have you or a loved one been injured in a car accident in South Carolina? You don’t have to go through this alone. The Solomon Law Group is ready to stand at your side and help you throughout this process.
Call the Solomon Law Group today at 803-219-8870 so you can gain peace of mind as you recover.
