Most people think that only war veterans or victims of violent crimes can suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. This misconception is strongly false. Post-traumatic stress disorder can be triggered by experiencing or observing anything that horrifies a person. Most people who have been involved in a dangerous car accident usually recount the experience as one of the most terrifying memories of their lives. Victims of car accidents recall ‘seeing their lives flash before their eyes’ and ‘praying that they’ll be ok’. These are extreme reactions to terrible events that they will remember for the rest of their lives. As such, it’s understandable that people involved in car crashes return to the moment and revisit the gut sinking feelings every time they remember the accident or anything triggers their memory of it.
Immediately after the traumatic accident, people may have an aversion to getting back in a vehicle let alone driving one. Auto accident victims sometimes are afraid to get back into a car. The presence a car or the thought of riding in one may bring back unwanted, distressing memories of the crash, causing them to relive the event. People involved in gruesome accidents may even have dreams of the crash and in some cases, experience problems sleeping. All of this constant reminder of the accident may cause people to avoid thinking or taking about the crash, which is a negatively impacts their ability to properly and fully heal.
With avoidance come other negative changes in thinking and mood such as memory problems, emotional numbness, depression, inability to maintain close relationships, and an excess of negative feelings. Those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder due can also have changes in emotional reactions such as aggressiveness, irritability, angry outbursts, self-destructive behavior such as drinking too much, trouble sleeping, being on constant edge, trouble concentrating, eating disorders and drug and alcohol abuse and addiction.
According to the Mayo Clinic, If not treated property, PTSD can only get worse. It is recommended that if symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder last longer than a month after the traumatic event, the victim should see a doctor as soon as possible. This is especially true for those victims who have suicidal thoughts. Any time victims of PTSD have any suicidal thoughts, they should immediately seek help. Cognitive therapy, exposure therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, are all therapeutic options for those who are trying to overcome PTSD. In addition to therapy, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and Prazosin may be implemented to help people cope with the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
It is important to note that some car accident victims may also suffer from traumatic brain injuries and should seek medical attention with a licensed specialist if diagnosed with a TBI.
Of course, along with medical and mental health issues, motor vehicle accidents also cause legal problems. The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC helps victims or car, motorcycle, and bus accidents take care of their legal needs. Our experienced attorneys deal with insurance companies, make sure your medical bills are paid, and make sure that you are compensated for any pain and suffering you may be entitled to under Michigan law, so that you may focus on physically and mentally recovering from your traumatic accident. Call our highly skilled attorneys today, at 844.4MI.FIRM, for a free consultation.