Many of my clients have had the misfortune of experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a serious car crash, in addition to their other injuries. The sudden, terrifying, and life-threatening violence of a car crash creates the trigger for PTSD to develop.
PTSD from a car crash is more than just feeling “shaken up.” PTSD leads to physical changes in the brain caused by stress hormones. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) recognize PTSD as a specific mental health disorder and publish detailed criteria for identifying it.
The Onset of PTSD After a Car Crash
It is normal and expected for someone to struggle with mental and emotional issues following a life-threatening car crash. However, if these symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, PTSD may have developed. Common symptoms of PTSD include:
- Reliving the traumatic event: This can occur through flashbacks or nightmares.
- Avoidance: Actively avoiding anything associated with the event, such as driving or riding in a car.
- Isolation: Keeping away from others and avoiding talking about the crash.
- Exaggerated reactions: Experiencing heightened responses, such as jumping at loud noises.
- Difficulty concentrating: Finding it hard to focus on tasks.
- Sleep disturbances: Trouble sleeping or staying asleep.
- Irritability: Feeling easily annoyed or angered.
- Anxiety and Depression: Persistent feelings of anxiety or depression.
In essence, PTSD keeps a person in a constant state of “hypervigilance,” which is exhausting, and which can be debilitating.
Seeking Help
If you recognize these symptoms in yourself and they last for more than a few weeks, you should be open with your doctor about what you are experiencing. Experiencing mental and emotional distress is not a sign of weakness; it is a symptom of mental injury, much like pain from a visible physical injury. Do not try to “tough it out.” Instead, talk to your doctor and be open to receiving help.
Therapy and Treatment Options
Your doctor may refer you to a therapist who specializes in PTSD. A therapist can help you reframe your thoughts and reactions, changing your relationship with anxiety and pain after the traumatic event. Therapists are trained in various methods, so it is a good idea to review their websites or speak with them about their philosophies and recommended treatments. Many therapists offer phone or video appointments, which can help if you are unable to leave the house.
Two effective treatments for PTSD are:
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): A therapy that helps you process and integrate traumatic memories through guided eye movements.
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): A treatment that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with trauma.
Conclusion
PTSD from a car crash is a serious and real condition. It is important to recognize the symptoms and seek help early. By being open with your doctor and pursuing therapy, you can address PTSD effectively. PTSD is not a sign of weakness but a natural response to trauma. With the right support, you can manage this difficult condition.
John Evans Injury Law
