Car accidents can be traumatic experiences for the Texas residents who are involved in them. However, some people are at a higher risk of suffering from PTSD afterward. This can be debilitating and interfere with their everyday life.
Risk factors for PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) could happen to anyone after a serious car accident. However, certain risk factors can increase a person’s risk of developing it. Previous incidents of trauma, having no support after the accident and suffering from mental or emotional conditions are all common risk factors. A person can also develop PTSD if they dissociated during or immediately after the car accident.
Common symptoms of PTSD
Symptoms of PTSD after being involved in a car crash can vary depending on the person. Some may have minor symptoms while others might be far worse off and suffer multiple symptoms per day to the point where they interfere with their regular activities.
PTSD commonly involves flashbacks. Memories of what occurred during the accident can suddenly come flooding back. Sometimes, flashbacks are triggered by specific situations or things. Nightmares are also very common. People often experience disruptions in their sleep while gripped by fear.
Avoidance is a common symptom of PTSD. A person who experienced a serious car accident might not want to remember what happened and may avoid getting into a car even as a passenger. In some cases, they might even avoid certain people because they remind them of the collision.
Anxiety, anger and depression often occur in car accident survivors suffering from PTSD. Feelings of guilt are also normal. They might also avoid activities they once enjoyed while dealing with these conflicting emotions. A feeling of numbness is also common.
