While people are generally quick to seek out medical attention for their physical injuries which resulted from a motor vehicle collision, they are generally much slower in considering treatment for the psychological aftermath. Nobody would continue to walk around on a broken leg, and yet we tell ourselves that the symptoms of PTSD, or the anxiety, will simply go away if we just push it aside long enough. But that is not how trauma works. We need to learn to cope in order to overcome.
Research PTSD
The entertainment industry has us largely convinced that soldiers are the only ones who are at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder, but that isn’t the truth. Anyone who suffers through a high stress experience, be it an abusive relationship, kidnapping, or a car accident, can develop symptoms of PTSD. A 2008 study conducted in Canada has concluded that roughly 9% of participants have been dealing with lifetime PTSD, and a total of roughly 76% of all respondents have reportedly experienced a situation which could have led to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder.
It should be noted that two people can suffer through the same exact stressful situation, and yet still result in only one of them developing PTSD. After all, everybody is different, and so is every brain. Some people cope better with stress than others, and some hold a strong genetic predisposition for developing this disorder.Regardless, it is wise to familiarize yourself with the symptoms associated with PTSD so you can recognize them in yourself and other passengers in the aftermath of an accident. This will give you a chance to get help early on. Common symptoms of PTSD include, but are not limited to:
• Reliving the triggering trauma through nightmares, flashbacks, etc.
• Vehemently avoiding trauma-related situations, like accessing a vehicle, refusing to talk about the trauma, etc.
• Emotional withdrawal from loved ones
• Hyperarousal, aka jumpiness, increased irritability, insomnia, etc.
Should you recognize these symptoms within yourself or another, but also realize that they begin to face after the span of a few weeks, then this is an indicator of it being ASD, Acute Stress Disorder, and not PTSD. The symptoms are largely the same, but far more long lasting in PTSD than ASD.Studies have shown that people who develop PTSD are oftentimes dealing with lasting effects of the trauma like a physical disability or chronic pain. And this is a serious concern. It is best to call in the personal injury lawyer in Sherwood Park and seek legal advice on the compensation that you can seek. This will help your loved one get a chance to get treated and be compensated for the psychological trauma.