Depression After Car Accident -Here is What You Need To Know

Not every auto accident ends with only physical injuries; some can give you trauma for a lifetime. Sometimes after you experience a scary, near-death experience, you could acquire conditions like depression, PTSD, and anxiety. It is essential to understand that experiencing these conditions is normal after a car accident, and professionals can help. 

You may be wrong if you think you are the only one suffering from this. Auto accident attorneys work with depressed victims and bring them compensation every day. Receiving damages like psychological therapy and medication costs for your post-accident depression is possible. Speak to an Atlanta car accident attorney to understand your options. 

What are the symptoms of depression after a car accident?

The symptoms of depression after a car accident in Atlanta are the same for people who experience depression without experiencing such an incident. It is important to seek medical help and therapy if you feel these symptoms after a car accident. If left untreated, these could escalate and become even more serious. 

• Trembling and shaking
• Numbness or tingling in extremities
• Derealization or depersonalization
• Fear of losing control
• Fear of death
• Nausea
• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Chills
• Accelerated heart rate or pounding heart
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling of choking
• Sweating
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Abdominal distress

Most patients do not realize that they are experiencing these due to the accident. This is why it is important to visit the doctor when noticing changes. 

Reasons for depression after a car accident 

Although there are no specific answers as to why people experience depression after a car accident, researchers believe it happens because the accident changes the victim’s life. The victim’s life might change in several ways. 

• The accident may result in injuries that limit their work or participation in other activities.
• The victim may not be able to socialize in the same way due to physical or mental limitations. 
• The victim may fear the accident might happen again whenever they sit inside a moving vehicle or travel from the same route. 
• The accident might change the victim’s appearance, leading to embarrassment, low self-confidence, and isolation. 

Steps to take if you experience depression after a car accident 

If you are suffering from depression after a car accident, here are the steps you can take: 

• If you suspect changes in yourself, get medically examined quickly. Do not wait for the symptoms to worsen.
• If you get diagnosed with depression, get medical treatment immediately. This is not something that cures by itself, at least not always. 
• Do not try to “tough it out” by ignoring the fact that you are struggling.