Car accidents may be terrible events for certain people. Motor vehicle crashes can result in fatalities, severe physical injuries, and long-lasting psychological problems for those involved. Accident-related psychological injuries may have a significant influence on a person’s general quality of life, depending on various variables.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the mental health conditions that automobile accident survivors are most likely to acquire. Many people link PTSD to those who have been in the military, been the victim of violent crime, survived a natural disaster, or suffered some other traumatic experience. But in truth, PTSD is more frequently brought on by automobile accidents among the general population.
Being hurt mentally as a result of an abrupt accident is possible. All facets of a person’s life can be influenced by their exposure to trauma and dealing with injury-related physical issues after surviving an event.
PTSD can be cured in some people. Every automobile accident survivor’s experience and the road to recovery are different. Within six months, PTSD may be cured with the help of trauma counselling, a strong social network, and other helpful tools. Unfortunately, the healing process takes far longer for many auto accident victims.
You are not alone if you have had PTSD symptoms after surviving an automobile accident. Out of 24 nations examined in a recent psychiatric study, Canada has the highest prevalence of PTSD, with 9.2% of the population experiencing this mental health illness at some point in their lives.
The signs of PTSD may be debilitating, and getting treatment can be challenging. It is crucial for those who have survived a vehicle accident to be aware of the symptoms and their possible effects, as well as any services that could be accessible to them to help them manage this significant mental health problem.
The PTSD symptoms
PTSD is a normal emotional reaction to violent, terrifying experiences. It was once characterized as “shell shock” about frightened troops from active battle. Nobody should feel ashamed or embarrassed if they have this psychological condition, which is justified. Despite a long history of stigma, many who suffer from PTSD symptoms are coping healthily with their body’s and mind’s reaction to an abnormal occurrence or act.
However, PTSD symptoms can significantly affect a person’s daily life. Many accident survivors with PTSD are also more likely to experience depression. Major depressive illness coexists with PTSD in around half of cases.
Symptoms of PTSD can occasionally take years to manifest. However, people often start showing signs three months after the stressful occurrence. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms can be categorized into four primary groups:
- Re-experiencing
- Avoidance
- adverse shifts in mood and cognition
- increased responsiveness and stimulation
Flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive recollections of the traumatic experience are examples of re-experiencing symptoms. PTSD-afflicted car accident survivors may suddenly feel like they are going through their traumatic event all over again. Re-exposure to circumstances that bring up the trauma experienced by accident survivors might set off these unpleasant sensations. A trigger event might be getting into an automobile or just seeing one. As a result, avoidant behaviours are made possible by these symptoms.
One of the signs of avoidance is trying to avoid recollections of the traumatic incident. As a result, one may become emotionally numb, withdraw from family and friends, lose interest in several routine tasks, feel more anxious and worried, and experience heightened anxiety.
Cognitive and emotional detrimental changes include negative self- or world-talk, exaggerated feelings of shame or responsibility, and a lack of optimism for the future. People with PTSD may have problems focusing or recalling things. Additionally, they could have mood swings, violent outbursts, and bizarre phobias.
Being easily startled, tense or on edge and having difficulties sleeping indicate increased arousal and reactivity. Shortness of breath, vertigo, and racing heart rates are some manifestations of these symptoms.
A person may struggle to carry out everyday tasks while experiencing these symptoms. Their PTSD symptoms may limit their capacity to work, which frequently results in financial difficulties.
Are people with PTSD eligible for disability benefits?
Due to the symptoms they encounter, returning to work is challenging for many PTSD-affected automobile accident survivors. This is especially true for those whose employment requires dealing with stressful situations like driving or riding in a car.
You may be eligible for long-term disability (LTD) payments if your PTSD symptoms make it hard for you to continue carrying out your employment responsibilities. Some individuals have access to LTD benefits through the group insurance plan offered by their job, while others must pay for private insurance that covers these disability benefits. You might be able to obtain LTD benefits after using up your other benefits, such as short-term disability and EI, depending on your available insurance coverage.
Typically, a qualified recipient’s typical wages are replaced by 60–70% of their LTD payments. For some who cannot find employment again, these monthly payments may save their lives. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to get LTD compensation for invisible ailments.
PTSD symptoms vary from person to person. Objective medical tests cannot be used to observe them. be a result, it is one of several severe mental health conditions that are frequently referred to as “invisible.” Insurance companies often scrutinize claims for unseen injuries more closely. Because of this, many applicants for LTD benefits who have mental health problems are denied.
Arrange a complimentary initial consultation with one of our best auto accident lawyers if your application for LTD benefits was rejected, despite your PTSD symptoms preventing you from performing your work duties.
Management methods for PTSD
Even those who survived a vehicle accident and were eligible for LTD payments can have trouble obtaining the financial and psychological support they need to treat their PTSD symptoms effectively. Statistics Canada recently reported that 82% of Canadians with PTSD who sought psychological assistance had trouble getting the medical care they needed.
Many accident victims with PTSD resort to more harmful coping techniques since so many individuals can’t promptly get the care they need. In actuality, drug misuse, binge drinking, and excessive smoking are all significantly predicted by PTSD.
There are more effective methods for symptom reduction that may help those having trouble managing their PTSD. These include exposure to supportive social networks and stress-relieving practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing. To communicate with others who have experienced similar things, joining support groups can be beneficial in managing PTSD. Parallel to this, having family and friends as a support system may provide you with empathy, inspiration, and emotional support. The most effective PTSD treatment options, however, may be costly for automobile accident survivors and involve psychological therapy, psychiatric care, prescription drugs, and other therapies.
Call our law office to talk with one of our car accident attorneys if you are having trouble paying for the assistance you require in the wake of a motor vehicle mishap. You could be eligible for restitution.