Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of mental health issue that accident victims may experience after a traumatic event. Following a personal injury, an accident victim may find later on that they are experiencing adverse effects from the accident. Often PTSD can come on unexpectedly for a victim. They may not even realize that what they are experiencing is actually the result of the trauma they have faced. Whether you were in a car accident, slip and fall, construction accident, injured on someone else’s property or hurt in a motorcycle accident, it may be possible to experience PTSD as a result. While there can be a range of symptoms that accident victims may be left to contend with, they surely can have an impact on a person’s day to day functioning. Accessing clinical psychology may be an appropriate option for managing PTSD.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
When someone has either witnessed or fallen victim to a tragic event, the impact may be substantial. While they may have suffered serious and even life threatening injuries, once wounds have healed, they may find themselves facing post traumatic stress disorder. PTSD can occur as a result of a number of events, here are some common examples:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accident
- A Soldier who has been in combat
- A child who has witnessed or been victim to violence in the home
- A survivor of domestic violence
- An injury that occurred in the workplace
Following a traumatic event. It can be challenging to adjust to the life that you once knew. PTSD can be difficult to live with as it can make it difficult to function in a normal way. PTSD can last indefinitely for accident victims, making it essential to access treatment from a clinical psychologist as soon as possible.
Symptoms of PTSD
Generally PTSD symptoms can fall into four different categories. In some cases, you may be completely unaware that what you are experiencing is the direct result of a traumatic event that your were the victim of.
- Arousal Symptoms
- Startling easily
- Engaging in self destructive/high risk behavior
- Irritability
- Anger
- Feeling guilty
- Difficulty Sleeping
- Avoidance
- Avoiding the area where the accident may have occurred
- Avoiding people who may have been present at the time of the accident
- Being unwilling to talk about the accident
- Mood Changes
- Negative outlook on life
- Detachment from others
- Challenge in maintaining close or intimate relationships
- Lack of interest
- Intrusive Memories
- Experiencing flashbacks
- Nightmares of the accident
- Feeling distress when reminded of the event that took place
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms following an accident or traumatic experience, it’s important that you seek help. A clinical psychologist can help you to heal and better manage the symptoms you are experience through treatment.
Clinical Psychology
For an accident victim who is presenting with symptoms of PTSD, it may be beneficial to consult with a clinical psychologist for treatment. A psychologist can assess and diagnose you with PTSD or some other mental health condition depending upon how you are presenting. Once your clinical psychologist has obtained the full picture of your experiences, they may put together a treatment plan. Therapeutic options to treat PTSD may include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Cognitive Processing Therapy
In addition to therapy, you may also take prescription medications as well. This can be an attractive option when it comes to managing your symptoms. While this may not completely wipe out your symptoms, when used in combination with treatments administered by a psychologist you can experience positive outcomes.
Have you recently been in an accident that has resulted in significant damages? Perhaps you are in the midst of a legal process for the injuries that you have experienced as a result. If this is the case, you may want to contact a clinical psychologist for treatment in PTSD. Post traumatic stress disorder can be debilitating. Because it does not present visibly in the same way as a broken bone or other injury, it can be difficult to understand. Get help with PTSD by calling a trauma therapist in Palatine, IL today, you deserve to feel better, start with a professional that you can rely on.
Thanks to Lotus Wellness Center for their insight into counseling and treating PTSD after a traumatic event.
