When two or more vehicles collide on a New Hampshire roadway, the damage that occurs can be disastrous. Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be stressful, painful and frightening. In some cases, there might be more than one person in your household who has suffered injuries. While most people are aware of the physical injuries that may occur in a collision, many people don’t realize how such incidents can affect mental health, as well.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that often develops in people who have witnessed or been involved in a traumatic experience. PTSD can become a chronic, debilitating condition. If you or your loved one develops symptoms of PTSD following a motor vehicle collision, it is best to seek immediate support.
How do you know if you have PTSD after a collision?
It’s not uncommon to feel stressed and suffer from anxiety in the aftermath of a car accident. However, such symptoms should begin to subside as time passes. If you cannot shake your feelings of anxiety or they worsen, it may be cause for concern, especially if you also have any of the symptoms shown in the following list:
- Intrusive thoughts about the accident that impede your ability to function
- Nightmares or insomnia
- Physical symptoms (trouble breathing, heart beating fast, sweating, etc.) arise when something reminds you of the collision
- Feelings of depression
- Becoming isolated from family and friends
- Paranoia
- Self-destructive behavior like substance abuse
These are all symptoms of PTSD. The good news is that resources are available to help you cope with the condition. The first step is to inform a physician or mental health professional and make sure they know you were recently involved in a car accident.
PTSD doesn’t usually go away on its own
It’s a mistake to think that ignoring PTSD symptoms after a New Hampshire collision will make the condition go away. In fact, symptoms may worsen with time if you do not receive professional help. Many recovering accident victims are not aware of the resources available to provide encouragement and support for those suffering severe mental health trauma following a car accident. Others worry that they will not be able to afford treatment.
New Hampshire law allows those who suffer injury in a collision due to another driver’s negligence to seek restitution in civil court. Many people have used court-awarded compensation to cover medical expenses and alleviate financial strain associated with their injuries, such as loss of income. Those suffering from mental health problems after a car accident can be proactive during recovery by reaching out for support as needed.
