Common Mental Health Challenges After Brooklyn Car Accidents

Survivors of Brooklyn car accidents often face serious mental health challenges. These psychological injuries can be just as serious as physical injuries, and they often last much longer. Sometimes, the psychological trauma of a car accident never truly fades. What are some of the most common mental health issues faced by car accident survivors? What can you do if you are currently struggling with these issues? 

Depression

Depression is a common issue for car accident survivors. This issue may arise for various reasons. Sometimes, near-death experiences can lead to feelings of sadness, regret, and fear. Some victims witness other people suffering serious or fatal injuries, and these memories may be difficult to process.

For other victims, depression is a side effect of certain medications that may be administered during treatment. For example, a victim might receive anesthesia and morphine during their stay at a hospital. Depression is a common issue as these drugs begin to wear off.

Depression may also occur later, as patients realize that their lives may not be the same. This is a common issue for those who suffer serious injuries, such as brain damage or paraplegia. Fractures may force athletes to stop playing sports, causing serious depression in the process. 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder 

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is another common issue for car accident survivors. This issue can also manifest in many different ways. Some PTSD patients experience nightmares after car accidents. Others experience “flashbacks” during their waking hours. Some withdraw from society, while others may become aggressive, impulsive, or irritable with others. Like many psychological issues arising from car accidents, PTSD may require therapy and counseling. 

Fear of Driving 

Sometimes, survivors of car accidents develop a fear of driving. They may be reluctant to get behind the wheel due to their memories and trauma, and this can seriously interfere with their lives. This type of phobia might be particularly harmful for someone who relies on their ability to drive for a living.

How Can I Gather Evidence of My Mental Health Challenges? 

You should seek help from a mental health professional if you are struggling with any of these issues. Counseling may help, and it will also create a “paper trail” of medical documentation. You can use these medical records to prove your psychological challenges are real. You might also consider a journal made contemporaneously with the events. 

Can a Brooklyn Car Accident Lawyer Help Me? 

A Brooklyn car accident lawyer may be able to help you pursue additional compensation for your mental health challenges. These “non-economic damages” are recognized by New York courts, and you should pursue as much financial security as possible if someone else caused your crash. You can use this compensation to access mental health treatment and many other forms of support. Contact Cohan Law, PLLC to learn more about your options.

Source: 

psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd