Common Mental Health Issues After a Car Accident
A car accident impacts everyone involved. A car crash can be a minor fender bender or a fatal accident. Each of these serious events can have a lasting impact on the victims. What happens when scars heal but the emotional pain is lasting? According to the American Psychological Association, motor vehicle accidents are considered the leading cause of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the general population. Motor vehicle accidents can cause additional mental health issues including anxiety and depression. Here we will discuss common mental health issues after a car accident.
The team at Anthem Injury Lawyers, serving Las Vegas and vicinity, understands that even the most cautious driver can be involved in a car accident. The trauma of being an accident victim can be long-lasting. If you or a loved one are a victim in an accident caused by another you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas. A personal injury lawyer can help you protect your rights. The team at Anthem Injury Lawyers has experience handling complex issues, including car accidents, truck accidents, bus accidents and many more accident types. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
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What Is PTSD?
According to the Mayo Clinic, PTSD is a mental health condition that is triggered by a terrifying event. A person can suffer from PTSD by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. Symptoms can appear within a month of the traumatic event or develop years later. PTSD can significantly impact a person’s life. The individual may not be able to go about their daily life and may have trouble in work and relationships.
What Are PTSD Symptoms?
PTSD symptoms can vary by the individual and may change overtime. Symptoms are grouped into four types including:
- Intrusive memories
- Avoidance
- Negative changes in thinking and mood
- Changes in physical and emotional reactions
Intrusive Memories
Symptoms of intrusive memories may include:
- Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event
- Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)
- Upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event
- Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the traumatic event
Avoidance
Symptoms of avoidance may include:
- Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event
- Avoiding places, activities, or people that remind you of the traumatic event
Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood
Symptoms of negative changes in thinking and mood may include:
- Negative thoughts about yourself, other people, or the world
- Hopelessness about the future
- Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event
- Difficulty maintaining close relationships
- Feeling detached from family and friends
- Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
- Feeling emotionally numb
Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions
Symptoms of changes in physical and emotional reactions may include:
- Being easily startled or frightened
- Always being on guard for danger
- Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast
- Trouble sleeping
- Trouble concentrating
- Irritability, angry outbursts, or aggressive behavior
- Overwhelming guilt or shame
If you have been involved in a car accident caused by another in the Las Vegas area and are experiencing any of the above symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Once you receive proper medical treatment, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. The team at Anthem Injury Lawyers will work aggressively to protect your rights and help you receive maximum compensation. Our law office is in Henderson, Nevada and we work with clients all over the Las Vegas area. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities. Depression can have many causes including a major trauma or stress. A motor vehicle accident can cause major trauma and stress.
What Are Signs and Symptoms of Depression?
After a motor vehicle accident you may be looking for physical signs of injury. It is important to be alert for mood disorders as well. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident have been experiencing any of the following signs or symptoms, you may have depression:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
- Irritability
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
- Decreased energy or fatigue
- Moving or talking more slowly
- Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Appetite and/or weight changes
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
- Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment
If you experience any of the above signs or symptoms after a car accident, seek medical help immediately. Once you have sought medical care, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. Anthem Injury Lawyers is an experienced team of personal injury lawyers that offers Las Vegas area drivers involved in accidents the expertise to get them the compensation they deserve. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
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What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is common. Most people will feel anxious at some point in their life. This feeling can occur when facing an issue at work or before making a significant life decision. An anxiety disorder involves more than temporary worry or fear. The anxiety does not go away and can get worse over time. Like the other mental health issues discussed above, the symptoms of anxiety can interfere with daily activities. This includes work performance, school, and personal relationships. There are different types of anxiety disorders with varying symptoms.
What Are Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety?
After a motor vehicle accident you may be experiencing anxiety and not even know it. Anxiety can be brief or persistent. Persistent anxiety can have long-term consequences on your daily life. Seek medical help immediately if you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of anxiety after a car accident:
- Feeling restless, wound-up, or on-edge
- Being easily fatigued
- Having difficulty concentrating; mind going blank
- Being irritable
- Having muscle tension
- Difficulty controlling feelings of worry
- Having sleep problems, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep, restlessness, or unsatisfying sleep
What Are Panic Attacks?
Panic attacks are an anxiety disorder. Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense fear that come on quickly and reach their peak within minutes. Seek medical help immediately if you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of a panic attack after a car accident:
- Heart palpitations, a pounding heartbeat, or an accelerated heart rate
- Sweating
- Trembling or shaking
- Sensations of shortness of breath, smothering, or choking
- Feelings of impending doom
- Feelings of being out of control
Mental health issues after a car accident are serious issues. Always seek medical care for mental health issues. Once you have sought medical care, speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
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EXPERIENCED LAS VEGAS PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer will work aggressively to protect your rights and help you receive maximum compensation.
Award-winning personal injury law firm Anthem Injury Lawyers are a team of experienced, dedicated personal injury lawyers and case managers based in Henderson, Nevada. We serve clients in Henderson, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Summerlin, Reno and Clark County. With over 25 years of experience, Anthem Injury Lawyers specializes in personal injury claims, providing extensive capabilities to represent you in car accident cases. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
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