Don’t underestimate emotional distress after a severe accident

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Don’t underestimate emotional distress after a severe accident

A severe accident can leave a person struggling with immense pain and mobility issues. These physical damages can prove to be devastating when they compromise a person’s independence and lifestyle.

But too often, people focus on treating and recovering from physical injuries and fail to recognize the extent of emotional damages and distress victims experience.

What is emotional distress?

Emotional distress or mental anguish refers to the psychological and mental conditions that often coincide with a traumatic event.

The conditions vary widely based on the individual and type of accident, but some of the most common types of mental and emotional injuries include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Changes in personality
• Grief
• Panic attacks
• Mood disorders

Too often, people overlook or minimize these symptoms because they cannot see them. Thus, victims may not seek medical treatment or support. Further, loved ones may not understand the extent to which the victim is suffering.

The considerable impact of these injuries

The unfortunate fact is that these emotional and mental health injuries are common, and they can turn a person’s life upside down. They could:

• Strain personal relationships
• Make it impossible for a person to work
• Prevent a person from living independently
• Create or exacerbate financial challenges
• Make physical injuries worse

People could also have trouble sleeping and concentrating; some struggle with drug or alcohol abuse as a means of coping, all of which can make it impossible for someone to live their life as they did before an accident.

Recognizing that these emotional damages can be serious is a crucial first step in getting the care and attention necessary to recover.

Understanding treatment options

There are myriad options when it comes to mental health treatment. Possible remedies can include:

• Counselling
• Medication
• Practicing self-care
• Making changes to diet or lifestyle

Whether these measures are self-directed or involve a team of medical professionals, they can ensure victims and their loved ones take a holistic approach to recovery after severe accident.

There is no benefit to downplaying or ignoring the emotional toll that a traumatic event has on victims and families. Addressing the emotional damages can improve the recovery process and ensure parties receive the comprehensive support they deserve.