Recovering Mentally After an Accident
Each year, about 3 million people are injured in car accidents in the U.S. Even if you aren’t disabled in an accident, you may still have nightmares about a crash or experience other mental issues. Fortunately, there are ways that you can start to overcome these issues and come to terms with what has happened to you.
Create a Support Network
It is generally a good idea to talk to someone about how you are feeling in the aftermath of an accident. You may decide to talk to a parent, a close friend or a professional who has no ties to your friends, family or employer. It is important to note that anything that you say to a therapist is supposed to be held in confidence.
The only exception to this rule is if you talk about hurting yourself or someone else. A Philadelphia injury attorney may be able to help you obtain compensation to pay for a therapist or other resources to help you cope after a crash.
Don’t Dismiss Your Feelings
You should know that it is relatively common for people to feel scared, nervous or anxious after being involved in a car collision. Therefore, it is perfectly normal to not feel good about getting into a car or driving one. You may also feel nervous about riding in a bus or driving past the location where the accident took place.
If necessary, a trusted friend or family member can go with you to the location where the crash took place to help you confront what happened in a controlled and safe manner. It may also be a good idea to walk or bike past where the accident happened to get yourself comfortable with the area again.
Avoid Drugs or Alcohol
It is always a good idea to avoid using drugs or alcohol when you are depressed or stressed. This is because they can cause you to experience drastic mood swings or result in other negative side effects that you may or may not be able to anticipate. If you feel as if you can’t avoid using drugs or drinking alcohol excessively, it may be a good idea to speak with a doctor.
Be Sure to Take Medication Properly
In addition to avoiding drugs and alcohol, it is also generally in your best interest to take medication prescribed by your doctor as instructed. This means that you may need to take it on time, with food or with a glass of water. Furthermore, you may also need to avoid driving or engaging in other strenuous tasks before or after taking it.
If you don’t think that your medication is helping improve your mood or relieve other symptoms, speak with a medical professional. He or she may be able to try different medications or different doses of your current medication as a means of providing mental or physical relief.
Find an Outlet for Your Emotions
There may be times when you don’t want to talk to someone or there is no one available to talk to. During those times, it may be worth channeling your pain or frustration into writing a poem or drawing a picture. It may also be a good idea to play basketball or go for a run when you are feeling stressed or anxious.
Moving around can help clear your mind and relieve stress in a natural and healthy way. Turning to art, sports or other outlets can also help you learn a new skill and make connections with other people. A Philadelphia injury attorney may be able to tell you about programs aimed at helping those who have been injured in car accidents or for any other reason.
If you were injured in a car wreck, the professionals at Metzger & Kleiner can help. Call us in Philadelphia at (215) 567-6616. We also have an office in the Lehigh Valley. You can reach us there at (610) 435-7400.
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