Auto accidents often cause life-altering injuries. But serious crashes are devastating in so many ways beyond just the physical injuries sustained. After urgent medical procedures are taken care of, it can be confusing to know where to turn for support while facing the long-term physical and psychological effects of a serious auto accident. And those who experience trauma because a loved one was involved in an accident often don’t get the emotional support that they need. As a personal injury firm dedicated to your total wellbeing, we’ve outlined some ways to understand and manage the psychological trauma often associated with serious car accidents in Boca Raton, FL.
What is Psychological Trauma?
Psychological trauma – also called emotional trauma – is the result of stressful events that turn your world upside down, attack your sense of security, and make you feel helpless. Traumatic experiences often involve a threat to life or safety, but any situation that leaves you feeling overwhelmed and isolated can result in trauma, even if it doesn’t result in physical harm. The more frightened and helpless you feel, the more likely you are to be traumatized. According to HelpGuide, emotional and psychological trauma is often caused by one-time events such as an accident or injury. Remember that even if you were not involved directly in an auto accident, you might suffer trauma if someone you care about was involved.
Symptoms of Psychological Trauma
Everyone reacts to different types of trauma in different ways, resulting in a wide range of possible physical and emotional reactions. HelpGuide reminds us that there is no “right” or “wrong” way to think, feel, or respond, and people affected by trauma shouldn’t judge reactions or those of other people. Remember that your responses are normal reactions to abnormal events.
Emotional & psychological symptoms of trauma can include:
- Shock, denial, or disbelief
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Anger, irritability, mood swings
- Anxiety and fear
- Guilt, shame, self-blame
- Withdrawing from others
- Feeling sad or hopeless
- Feeling disconnected or numb
Physical symptoms of trauma can include:
- Insomnia or nightmares
- Fatigue
- Being startled easily
- Difficulty concentrating
- Racing heartbeat
- Edginess and agitation
- Aches and pains
- Muscle tension
What Resources are Available for Psychological Trauma?
Whether you were on the scene of the accident or not, psychological trauma is serious! It can leave you struggling with deeply disturbing emotions, memories, and anxiety that won’t go away. It can also leave you feeling numb, disconnected, and unable to trust other people. After a traumatic incident, it can take a while for those affected to feel safe again. But there are avenues of support that can help speed up your recovery. Whether you’ve recently experienced trauma or are dealing with the effects of a traumatic event that happened years ago, it’s not too late to seek the help of a professional trauma therapist. According to WebMD, trauma therapy has three main goals:
- Improve your symptoms
- Teach you skills to deal with past trauma
- Change the thought patterns that are disturbing your life
- Restore your self-esteem
If you or your loved one has been injured in a serious auto accident in the Boca Raton area, get the caring and comprehensive legal assistance you deserve! The Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rosenberg will help you get the full compensation you’re entitled to. Call us at (561) 508-8800 or contact us online.