Did you know that one in 10 people will develop post-traumatic stress (PTSD) after a serious car accident?
Physical pain and suffering may fade after a few weeks or months, but emotional distress can last much longer. You may desire to move forward and regain your life, but emotional recovery often takes a lot longer than physical recovery.
If you’re struggling after a serious car accident, try not to despair. In this post, we’ll outline some actionable steps you can take to help you heal and move forward.
Keep reading to learn more!
1. Ask For (And Accept) Help
Networking will never be as important in your life as it is when you’re recovering from a serious accident. This is the time to surround yourself with family, friends, and others who will support you.
Set aside your pride and accept help in any form, whether it’s an offer to cook a meal or drive you to an appointment. If you need help with something, don’t hesitate to speak up and ask for it.
Realize you may also need professional help beyond what your immediate circle can provide. You may need to speak with a psychologist or a counselor to help you through the recovery process. You may also need advice from a personal injury law firm like Veron Bice Palermo & Wilson.
2. Be Prepared for the Coping Stages
Just like the grieving process, you’ll pass through a series of stages as you recover from a serious car accident. Most people experience varying degrees of these four coping stages:
- Denial
- Bargaining
- Depression
- Acceptance
At first, denial kicks in as your mind struggles to accept the reality of what’s happened. Even if you’re not religious, you might find yourself turning to a higher power and wishing you could buy back time before your injuries.
Mood swings and bouts of depression are common, especially if your recovery doesn’t go according to plan. Once you’re able to accept your injuries, stop looking backward and bargaining, and realize that there will be times when you feel down, you can accept your new reality and move forward.
3. Gradually Resume Daily Routines
You may feel tempted to rush back to your normal lifestyle, but it’s best to take it slow and see how your mind and body react to your old routines.
Adopt good self-care strategies to aid you in the recovery process. Get plenty of rest, eat nourishing meals, and don’t overdo it with caffeine or alcohol. Find activities that help you feel relaxed and focused, such as meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature.
If certain tasks at home or work are too difficult, ask for help and support. Don’t overexert yourself or force yourself to do something before you’re ready (for example, driving on the highway where your accident occurred).
Adopt a positive mantra to combat negative thoughts. Don’t be afraid to talk about your feelings with someone you trust. Little by little, you’ll be able to let go of the past and move forward with your future.
Regain Your Life After a Serious Car Accident
Emotional distress from a serious car accident can last long after your bruises fade.
If you’re struggling to move on, bookmark this article and refer back to it often. It may take a while, but you can move forward and make a full recovery!
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