Car and truck accidents are often devastating. For those involved – both injured victims and the loved ones of the victims – the accident can be life-changing both physically and psychologically. If you and your loved ones are facing long-term physical and psychological effects of a serious personal injury, it can be hard to know where to turn after the immediate medical procedures are over. As a personal injury firm committed to holistic assistance, we’ve outlined some resources that are available to you to help manage the long-term emotional impact of a serious car or truck accident.
What is Psychological Trauma?
Psychological trauma – also called emotional trauma – is the result of stressful events that turn your world upside down, attack your sense of security, and make you feel helpless. Traumatic experiences often involve a threat to life or safety, but any situation that leaves you feeling overwhelmed and isolated can result in trauma, even if it doesn’t result in physical harm. The more frightened and helpless you feel, the more likely you are to be traumatized. According to HelpGuide, emotional and psychological trauma is often caused by one-time events such as an accident or injury. Remember that even if you were not involved directly in an accident, you might suffer trauma if someone you care about was involved.
Symptoms of Psychological Trauma
Everyone reacts to different types of trauma in different ways, resulting in a wide range of possible physical and emotional reactions. HelpGuide reminds us that there is no “right” or “wrong” way to think, feel, or respond, and people affected by trauma shouldn’t judge reactions or those of other people. Remember that your responses are normal reactions to abnormal events.
Emotional & psychological symptoms of trauma can include:
- Shock, denial, or disbelief
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Anger, irritability, mood swings
- Anxiety and fear
- Guilt, shame, self-blame
- Withdrawing from others
- Feeling sad or hopeless
- Feeling disconnected or numb
Physical symptoms of trauma can include:
- Insomnia or nightmares
- Fatigue
- Being startled easily
- Difficulty concentrating
- Racing heartbeat
- Edginess and agitation
- Aches and pains
- Muscle tension
What Resources are Available for Psychological Trauma?
Psychological trauma is serious! It can leave you struggling with deeply disturbing emotions, memories, and anxiety that won’t go away. It can also leave you feeling numb, disconnected, and unable to trust other people. After a traumatic incident, it can take a while for those affected to feel safe again. But there are avenues of support that can help speed up your recovery. Whether you’ve recently experienced trauma or are dealing with the effects of a traumatic event that happened years ago, it’s not too late to seek the help of a professional trauma therapist. According to WebMD, trauma therapy has three main goals:
- Improve your symptoms
- Teach you skills to deal with past trauma
- Change the thought patterns that are disturbing your life
- Restore your self-esteem
If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious car or truck accident in Jackson, Mississippi, don’t hesitate to get the caring and comprehensive legal assistance you deserve! The Heilman Law Group, PA can help you pursue the compensation you’re entitled to under law and help simplify this stressful season of your life. Contact our Jackson, MS office today by calling 601-914-1025 or sending us a message online!
Heilman Law Group, PA
Jackson Office
4266 I-55 North, Suite 106
Jackson, Mississippi 39211
Phone: 601-914-1025
Fax: 601-960-4200
