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Physical injuries are easy to see and treatment options are usually clear-cut. Break a leg? Here is a cast. Whiplash? Wear this collar. Back injuries? Have a prescription for painkillers and physical therapy.
But what about the intangible but still very real emotional suffering victims frequently experience after a crash? These issues can make it more difficult to recover physically and interfere with returning fully to your normal, pre-accident life. While only a properly licensed mental health professional can accurately diagnose and treat serious emotional turmoil, we do have some tips for helping you cope.
Acknowledge Traumatic Feelings From The Crash
With everything you are forced to deal with in the aftermath of a car crash, it might seem easier to ignore your emotional pain than address it, particularly if you also suffered physical injuries (or someone you care about did). This is counterproductive in the long-term, as buried trauma inevitably festers and worsens over time. Even if you were not seriously injured, it is common to experience dark and unpleasant emotions after an accident, including:
- Fear
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Grief
We suggest being honest with yourself and those who love you about the negative emotions you are experiencing. Acknowledge these feelings early on, before they have time to fester and deepen into serious mental health issues and address them. Ignoring emotional distress will only lead to unpleasant occurrences like sudden outbursts (e.g., crying at inappropriate moments), loss of sleep, inability to concentrate at work, and snapping at loved ones over nothing.
Lean On Others After A Traffic Accident
Some accident victims find ways to cope with their emotions using well-known, practical methods without much additional assistance. These include:
- Taking time to rest at home or go somewhere relaxing—a spa or beach vacation
- Indulging in enjoyable hobbies like hiking, painting, horseback riding, or writing poetry
- Engaging in exercise (to the degree you are physically capable) like jogging, yoga, weightlifting, or kickboxing
- Spend more time with friends and family
However, these might not provide enough of an emotional release. If not, then it is important to acknowledge that you need help. Ask your boss for time off from work. Reach out to a parent or sibling for help making important calls to insurance and car repair shops. Take your best friend up on offers to walk your dog, do your laundry, or cook for you.
By confiding in and leaning on trusted friends, family members, or if needed, mental health professionals, you can work through the complexities of your painful emotions, find support, and come up with healthy coping mechanisms.
Don’t Go It Alone—Contact A Car Accident Lawyer Now
When you pursue claims against those responsible for your auto accident, you deserve compensation for all your injuries. These include emotional, as well as physical. Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation, will help you afford whatever support and treatment needed to recover from your trauma. Call us today.
Contact our office today by calling (310) 683-2300 or filling out the online contact form to discuss the details of your case and learn more about how we can help you. We offer free consultations, so there’s no reason not to reach out to someone from our team right away.