Motor vehicle accidents cause 2.8 million emergency room visits per year, but there are still significant gaps in caring for the mental health of the millions of drivers, passengers and even bystanders affected. If you’ve been in an accident, the chances are that everyone was careful to make sure you were at least checked out to rule out a concussion, whiplash or other injuries, even if you felt “fine.” If you were injured, doctors were likely prepared to offer you a timeline and a rough guide to what to expect during recovery.
Mental health is a different story. Accidents can be traumatic, especially if you are injured. Some studies estimate that up to 30% – 50% of those injured may be coping with mental health disorders as a result. These can include PTSD after a car accident, anxiety, depression and fear of travel.
What you need to know about your mental health after a car accident
If this sounds like something you’re dealing with, you’re not alone. Some studies show one in five people involved in accidents may develop PTSD, for example, though prevalence estimates vary worldwide. According to , the suddenness and severity of a roadway accident, the scariness and the loss of control can all contribute to triggering PTSD. In fact, it’s considered a “major cause” of the disorder. Anxiety after a car accident or depression after a car accident, or fear of driving are also, perhaps not surprisingly, often reported.
How do you know if treatment is right for you? If you’re experiencing any of the above or PTSD symptoms such as traumatic flashbacks, a fear of driving, feeling on edge, negative thoughts about yourself or “changes in physical or emotional reactions,” it’s a good time to seek out a mental health specialist, particularly if it has been a while since your accident.
Taking care of your mind can help heal your body, too
One of the reasons that mental health care is vital in post-accident recovery is the close relationship between mental and physical health. In one study, more severe injuries were connected to higher rates of PTSD, while depression and anxiety slowed recovery. Your mindset plays a powerful role: Negative expectations around recovery “strongly predict persistent pain and emotional distress over time,” according to research. Whether your physical recovery takes days, weeks, or months, ensuring you’re in the strongest possible place mentally can shorten the healing process.
If you’re afraid to drive after an accident, addressing that is another pillar in supporting your progress. Not only does it make it easier to keep up with any medical care or physical therapy you may still need, but it helps you feel less isolated and eases returning to or going to work if you don’t work from home. Overall, each piece of your mental wellbeing helps strengthen the foundation of your future.
What mental health treatment after a car accident can do for you
There are multiple evidence-based methods for treating PTSD, anxiety, depression and fear of driving. Neurobehavioral health services such as therapy or cognitive rehabilitation are key. Many center on various types of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of talk therapy that can help you identify patterns in your thinking that may be creating challenges. You will work with a mental health professional to help change those ways of thinking. This type of treatment will also help you build a toolkit to maintain your mental health going forward. Depending on your situation, other methods may also be included in your treatment.
At Apex, you would begin with a telehealth assessment with one of our verified therapists, who will develop a 12-session plan built just for you. Sessions are conducted through a HIPAA-compliant videoconferencing platform so that you can get the care you need wherever you are without having to drive.
Car accidents can be traumatic and while most mental health symptoms do improve over time, working with a trusted practitioner can help speed your mental and physical recovery.
Ready to take the first step?
You can find out more about how Apex Neurobehavioral Health HERE.