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An estimated three million people are involved in a car accident each year. Many of these people later suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
PTSD is described as a type of anxiety disorder. It can occur after seeing or experiencing a traumatic experience such as a car accident, war, hurricane or death. It can affect those who personally experience the trauma, those who witness it, and those who help to pick up the pieces.
PTSD is a real illness but the cause is unknown. It can happen to anyone at any age. PTSD changes the body’s response to stress. It is not known why traumatic events cause PTSD in some but not others.
The symptoms can vary and involve numerous emotions - from feeling frightened, sad, anxious, and disconnected. To feeling anxious, guilt, anger, shock and trouble believing it happened (avoidance). Re-experiencing the traumatic event â€" such as a car accident- is also common.
Traffic accidents are a leading cause of PTSD. An estimated 9 percent of survivors of serious accidents develop significant post-traumatic stress systems according to a study titled, “Post-traumatic Stress Reactions Following Motor Vehicle Accidents,†published by The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
How Common Is PTSD?
About 3.6% of adult Americans -- about 5.2 million people -- suffer from PTSD yearly, and some 7.8 million Americans will experience PTSD at some point in their lives.
Getting Help for PTSD after A Car Accident
If you or someone you love has PTSD, it’s important to seek help. The sooner the disorder is confronted, the easier it will be to overcome. Early treatment is best as symptoms may progress over time.
Talking to friends, family and a counselor about the accident can help you to cope with your feelings.
Stay active. Exercise to keep your mind busy. But, please talk to your doctor first to make sure you are doing so safely and not agitating any injuries you may have sustained.
Naturally, it may be difficult to ride in cars following an accident. Lower your risk of accidents and injuries by learning to be a defensive driver. Limit distractions, avoid driving when you are tired and always wear a seatbelt. And most importantly never drive after consuming drugs or alcohol.
For more information on PTSD, please refer to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Easy-to-Read) by the National Institute of Mental Health.
Demas & Rosenthal remains one of Sacramento’s most highly respected and accomplished personal injury law firms. We’ve been successfully representing clients for almost twenty years. Every Demas & Rosenthal attorney takes great pride in obtaining the full compensation and complete justice owed to every client.
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