Tips on Mental Health and Car Accidents

Mental Health and Car Accidents

Car accidents often leave lasting impacts beyond physical injuries. While immediate attention is typically given to physical recovery, the mental trauma resulting from a car accident can be equally profound. Dr. Deryk Harting, a chiropractor at one of the highest rated auto injury care medical facilities in the Tampa Bay area, discusses mental health and car accidents.

The American Psychological Association identifies car accidents as a leading cause of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the general population, emphasizing the need for early mental health intervention. This effect of car accidents is an often-overlooked aspect of the recovery process. In 2016 alone, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported a staggering 7,277,000 police-documented traffic accidents in the United States. Moreover, the National Safety Council reported that approximately 5.4 million individuals experienced car crash injuries in 2021. 

Trauma is defined as anything “deeply distressing or disturbing” and can manifest differently for everyone involved in an accident, regardless of their role. Car accidents often trigger emotional distress, with symptoms ranging from heightened stress and anxiety to more severe conditions such as PTSD, depression, and sleep disturbances. Emotional responses can lead to avoidance behaviors which negatively impacts daily functioning. Recognizing these signs of mental trauma is the first step toward seeking help. Here are some tips for addressing mental trauma:

• Professional Intervention: Seeking the guidance of a therapist is key, even if symptoms are not immediately apparent. Early intervention facilitates a smoother recovery process because therapists are equipped to identify potential signs of serious mental trauma and give insights into necessary steps for healing.
• Open Communication: While discussing a car accident may be challenging, sharing the experience with trusted individuals, joining support groups, and connecting with those who have similar experiences can alleviate feelings of isolation and reinforce supportive relationships.
• Physical Activity: Engaging in physical activities, if physical injuries permit, can significantly benefit mental health. Activities such as walking, light exercise, hobbies involving physical activity, gardening, or tidying spaces contribute to stress reduction.
• Meditation: This is a powerful tool for addressing anxiety and mental trauma. Forms of meditation involve intentional breathing and focusing attention on emotions. This practice allows individuals to acknowledge and accept their emotions, making it easier to release them.
• Healthy Choices: Concentrating on maintaining good sleep patterns and a balanced diet is crucial when dealing with mental trauma. Binge eating or drinking excessive alcohol can exacerbate the problem and diminish mental clarity when proper selfcare is not prioritized.

Car accidents can induce shock, stress, worry, guilt, and fear, each contributing to a complex web of emotional distress. Shock is a common immediate response, while stress and worry may present later as individuals return to the road and navigate insurance claims, repairs, and potential injuries. Guilt often surfaces, justified or not, and fear of driving again can lead to avoidance behaviors. To ease the mental burden of getting behind the wheel after a car accident, consider the following tips:

• Supportive Companion: Invite a trusted friend or family member on your first drive after the accident. Having someone you trust in the car provides emotional support and helps you feel safer. Company during initial drives can aid in regaining confidence with the understanding that everyone’s experience after an accident is unique.
• Short Drives: Gradually reintroduce yourself to driving by starting with short trips of less than 5 minutes. Drive through familiar areas like your neighborhood or to nearby places like the corner store. Also consider driving during off-peak hours especially on busier routes. This step-by-step approach helps rebuild comfort on the road.
• Sharpen Driving Skills: Focus on safe driving practices like wearing your seatbelt, using signals, and using the horn when necessary. Avoid distractions such as talking on the phone, texting, or eating while driving. Additionally, prioritize rest and avoid driving when fatigued. Defensive driving courses can be beneficial for boosting confidence and may even result in reduced car insurance costs following an accident.

Chiropractic care can also be helpful due to its holistic approach. Chiropractic care recognizes the intricate connection between the mind and body, understanding that mental and emotional distress can manifest physically. Chiropractors experienced in car accident injuries address the root cause of pain and other symptoms by focusing on the mind-body connection via the brain and the nervous system. Emotional distress if left unaddressed can lead to physical symptoms such as higher blood pressure, chronic pain, and headaches.

Car accidents, whether major or minor, can have enduring effects on mental health. Recognizing and addressing the psychological aspect is essential for a comprehensive recovery. Through early intervention, open communication, physical activity, and a holistic approach to mental and physical health, individuals can expediate the journey of healing after a car accident. Remember that whether you are a new or experienced driver, car accidents can happen to anyone, and it is crucial not to let such events hinder overall well-being. By embracing some of these strategies, individuals can regain confidence, resume their lives, and ensure that the impact of a car accident does not control their future.

— This article is written by Deryk Harting, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Florida.

–

.

–

Have you been in a car accident? If you or somebody you know has been in a car accident, be sure that you seek medical attention from a car accident doctor or car accident chiropractor to treat your injuries. Visit Chambers Medical Group  to receive world-class medical treatment for your injuries.

Chambers Medical Group has car accident medical clinics in the following locations:

• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Tampa
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Plant City
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Brandon
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Lakeland
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Sarasota
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Louisville
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Lexington
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Florence