Many people somehow tend to overlook the weight of emotional trauma regarding accidents, oftentimes being overshadowed by the injuries, and the legal processes that follow. That being said, it’s important to assess emotional trauma appropriately in order for the person to be able to cope with it in a healthy, efficient way. That is why, in this article, we are going to talk about different aspects regarding this topic to help you get better faster.
Ensuring Closure, or at Least Some Aspects of It
Now the first thing that should be done after the accident to start working on easing the emotional trauma is to work on having a closure. For different people, this can mean many things.
Although, if you have happened to have been in an accident that has happened due to someone’s negligence, the probability is high that it will help greatly if the person responsible faces the legal consequences, as well as that you get compensated appropriately. Experts from Edwards & Patterson law firm explain that having a professional, credible, and skilled attorney can relieve you of the burden of dealing with the legal system by taking care of whatever you are uncertain about. When the case is closed and the legal part is done, all you have to worry about is getting better.
Assessing the Extent of the Trauma
After the accident, when that initial shock has subsided, many people just fail to recognize how the accident has affected their emotional and mental health until later on. When asked if trauma has ever been experienced, many don’t consider the car accident they were in 5 years ago to be that experience. But the truth is trauma can stem from absolutely anything that was deeply distressing or disturbing.
That being said, it’s important to remember that you don’t even necessarily have to be the driver in the accident for it to be traumatic; even a bystander can have lasting effects from the accident that they witnessed. So, don’t brush off the significance of the whole event – mental health is extremely important, and whatever you are feeling is valid.
So, What Does Trauma Look Like?
When it comes to how long does it take for symptoms to start showing, it can vary greatly from one person to another – sometimes it’s days, sometimes weeks, or even months. The symptoms of emotional distress are a normal part of the healing process. So, you may begin to notice signs of increased stress, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, depression, sleep issues, recurring nightmares about the crash, but there are many different ways in which emotional trauma can surface.
Sometimes, the emotional trauma can lead to avoidance, so if you happen to have been in a car accident, you may start avoiding having to drive again due to fear of getting into another accident. Even though it’s better to see a therapist early on – if you didn’t do that in the first place, the moment that symptoms start getting in the way of day-to-day functioning, it’s time to take action.
Don’t Bottle Up Your Emotions
The thing is, suffering silently can only add to your mental anguish and distress. So, you need to talk to a trusted friend or family member about your experience and what you are feeling. Of course, talking about the experience can be hard, so you don’t have to share details of the accident if you don’t want to, and don’t let people pressure you into doing so. That being said, having someone available to help you process your own emotions and with whom you are comfortable sharing them is very important.
Getting a Therapist
Last but not least, it can be really helpful to find a therapist who can guide you through the whole process of working on your emotional trauma. A qualified professional is your best bet since, even though many people think that they can go through the trauma themselves – even if they could, it is extremely hard. On the other hand, going to therapy is going to help with making the whole process a lot smoother and easier.
In the end, since all of us are different people, different will be the way that trauma affects each person, as well as the coping strategies that will be utilized. That being said, it all comes down to being introspective, having patience, and reaching out for guidance and help from the professionals. You should know that things do get better, so just stay on the path of recovering, and you will get there!
No Comments