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New Jersey

Personal Injury Attorneys

Is it normal to have anxiety after a car crash?

On Behalf of | Nov 17, 2022 | Personal Injury |

There are millions of car crashes every year. Indeed, if you drive regularly, at some point, you will crash, even if it is not your fault. The unfortunate fact is that motor vehicle accidents are just a fact of life. And, while most people focus on the physical consequences of such accidents, the more common effects are psychological.

Immediate psychological impact

Regardless of the severity of the motor vehicle accident, you will experience shock and trouble believing what just happened. You will then tend to feel nervous, worry, fear, fault or restlessness. These are all natural feelings after a Florham Park, New Jersey, accident, and they will usually, go away in a short time.

Anxiety

For those where these feelings do not subside, you may start experiencing severe anxiety. You may relive the crash over and over, and you could lose your ability to think about anything else. This can lead to panic attacks and severe anxiety any time you drive or, in severe circumstances, any time you are near the car or roadways.

Post-traumatic stress

For those with lingering symptoms that worsen, you likely are experiencing post-traumatic stress. If so, you will need help. You should talk to your friends and family about what you are feeling. However, if this does not work, you may need to speak with a therapist. They will talk about the crash, how it felt, how you felt, what you did and how you are currently feeling.

Ways to move forward

In addition to therapy, stay active. Exercise and get outside to the extent allowed by your doctor. Make sure your Florham Park, New Jersey, doctor and therapist work together on your treatment. Try to get back to everyday life and resume your normal routines. Do not isolate yourself. Even if it makes you uncomfortable, it is an important part of the post-crash healing process.

Do not forget to include this in your case

Do not struggle alone. Incorporate your mental health professional, doctor, family and friends into your path back to good mental health. However, do not forget to include this in your Florham Park, New Jersey, personal injury case. Long-term mental health treatment can be added to your damages to make sure that you are not financially impacted by the car accident as well.