How Can I Manage My Mental Health & Emotional Distress After a Car Accident?

More Car accident victims may experience life-altering injuries, not only making a physical impact but affecting their mental health as well. These unseen injuries may not be evident to others, but that does not mean that they are any less serious. If you are experiencing emotional distress after a wreck, proper treatment is key. Our car […]
Published:  September 15, 2022

Car accident victims may experience life-altering injuries, not only making a physical impact but affecting their mental health as well.

These unseen injuries may not be evident to others, but that does not mean that they are any less serious. If you are experiencing emotional distress after a wreck, proper treatment is key. Our car accident lawyers can help ensure you receive the care you need, as well as the compensation you deserve. Read on to learn more, then contact the Mike Hostilo Law Firm to schedule your free consultation.

How Do Medical Professionals Define Trauma?

Trauma is a broad term that encompasses any emotional, or psychological reaction to a disturbing experience – like losing a loved one, surviving a severe weather event, or being assaulted. Because every individual processes a traumatic occurrence differently, the term “trauma” is used as more of a guideline. Psychologists, in an attempt to better understand trauma, have created several categories. These include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), developmental trauma disorder, and complex trauma.

How Can I Manage My Mental Health Trauma After a Car Accident?

Be sure to seek treatment from a mental health professional as soon as you notice any symptoms of emotional distress. Therapy may be helpful in healing from emotional trauma and overcoming the anxiety and fear caused by your auto accident. Untreated emotional trauma may eventually turn into a more serious mental health disorder, making it undeniably important to get the help you need.

Keep in mind that children may experience emotional trauma as well, with symptoms enduring months or even years after the event. In fact, about one-third of kids who were in auto accidents experience some kind of emotional trauma.

Common Stress Disorders After Enduring a Traumatic Event

After your auto accident, watch carefully for these symptoms of emotional distress:

  • Fear 
  • Anxiety
  • Loss of appetite
  • Trouble sleeping (nightmares, etc.)
  • Crying
  • Feelings of anger and frustration
  • Flashbacks of the car wreck
  • Mood swings
  • Withdrawal
  • Decreased energy
  • Loss of interest in daily activities you once enjoyed
  • Self-medication with drugs or alcohol
  • Lack of focus
  • Suicidal thoughts

Acute Stress Disorder Vs. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

It is important to distinguish between two common types of stress disorder. For acute stress disorder, the symptoms above disappear after a few weeks. But if symptoms persist for more than a month and negatively impact your everyday life, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be to blame. Unfortunately, some accident victims experience PTSD symptoms for the rest of their lives. PTSD symptoms often diminish sufferers’ overall quality of life and may include panic attacksdepressionsuicidal ideations, and more.

If you need immediate help for suicide and other severe mental health struggles, please contact a 24/7 trained counselor with the National Suicide Hotline via the options:

  1. Visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 
  2. Call 1-800-273-8255 (TRS: 1-800-799-4889) 
  3. Call or text 988

Can I Seek Compensation for My Emotional Distress After a Car Accident?

If your car accident has had a negative impact on your mental health, you may be eligible for compensation. Emotional distress can be just as damaging as physical injuries – and it is important to hold the at-fault party accountable. Damages may include the cost of mental health treatment as well as pain and suffering. 

While it can be difficult to assign a monetary value to your pain and suffering, the car accident lawyers at The Mike Hostilo Law Firm can help. Attorney Mike Hostilo and his team will gather the evidence needed to strengthen your claim, working hard to maximize the non-economic damages you receive. The insurance company may try to downplay your emotional trauma, so it is crucial to have trusted legal counsel on your side.

More Questions? Discover A Skilled Car Accident Lawyer Near Me

The Mike Hostilo Law Firm is proud to serve car accident victims, committed to fighting for the damages you deserve. If a crash left you with emotional trauma, do not suffer in silence. Our car accident lawyers can help, so get in touch! Contact our personal injury law firm near you to schedule your free consultation

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*"Contingent attorneys” "No fee unless you win or collect" and "You only pay us if we win your personal injury claim" fees refer only to those fees charged by attorneys for their legal services. Such fees are not permitted in all types of cases. Court costs and other additional expenses of legal action usually must be paid by the client.

Any result the lawyer or law firm may achieve on behalf of one client in one matter does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients.

Mike Hostilo is not licensed to practice law in South Carolina.
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