After a catastrophic car accident, your physician may ask you to look out for signs of delayed trauma—headaches may indicate brain trauma, numbness could be a sign of a spinal cord injury, etc. What he may or may not ask you to do, though, is watch out for signs of anxiety, stress, and PTSD, even though it can also be a delayed accident injury. Unfortunately, symptoms of PTSD are much harder to identify than a physical injury since it affects the subconscious. This is why it is imperative to stay alert or to have a loved one watch you for the following tell-tale indications that you may be suffering from post-accident traumatic stress disorder.

Physical Signs

  • Insomnia or repetitive nightmares associated with the collision
  • Uneasiness or feeling jumpy (easily startled)
  • Increased heart rate
  • Aches and pains
  • Fatigue or reduced activity level
  • Concentration or focus problems
  • Edginess and agitation
  • Muscle tension
  • Flop sweats

Psychological Signs

  • Denial or failure to accept what happened
  • Social anxiety (withdrawing from others)
  • Feeling disconnected or numb

Emotional Signs

  • Anger, irritability, mood swings
  • Guilt, shame, blaming yourself for the accident
  • Depression
  • Confusion
  • Anxiety
  • Fear
  • Loneliness
  • Helplessness

Getting Help

If you are experiencing the above symptoms of PTSD following a car accident, you need to get help. The mental trauma associated with PTSD can be overwhelmingly dangerous and lead to thoughts of suicide or disregard for personal welfare. It is important that you seek medical help and treatment as quickly as possible.

A non-fatal car accident shouldn’t affect the rest of your life. Whether physical or mental injuries—or both—were sustained, you deserve to be able to put your accident behind you and look toward the future without overwhelming stress and anxiety. Contact us today at (800) 556-8890, to see how we can help you confidently pursue the injury compensation you deserve to overcome your fears and concerns. We’re here to help you every step of the way!

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