Can a Personal Injury Affect Your Mental Health?

Personal injuries can deeply affect your mental health. The physical and psychological trauma our bodies encounter after an injury can trigger serious mental health challenges like anxiety and depression, which can decrease our quality of life. Identifying the connection between these two occurrences is important because it can help determine which treatment options will be the most effective for recovery.

Taking Care of Your Mental Trauma

Mental health challenges are just as important to recognize and treat as physical injuries. These challenges can encompass a variety of conditions that are often accompanied by identifiable symptoms. One of the most prevalent conditions after an injury is post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, which is a reactionary condition that stems from triggers like seeing, hearing, or being involved in a similar situation to the original trauma. It is generally characterized as a reminder of the pain and suffering felt when the damage first occurred.

In the case of a car accident, a person suffering from PTSD could be triggered by closely driving to other cars in traffic or witnessing another accident happen. Severe accidents can have a lasting, and sometimes hidden, effect on mental health. Injuries to the brain can take time to diagnose but can lead to depressive emotions like feeling sad or irritable. Even in situations or accidents where there are no visible injuries, getting an evaluation from a doctor can discover what may be causing symptoms related to mental health.

Talk to a professional.

Depression and anxiety disorders are other common challenges that can affect your mind after an injury. If left untreated, these conditions can significantly impact the recovery process and also magnify other issues. It’s wise to work together with a medical physician and a psychologist for a well-rounded treatment of the body and mind.

Your doctors can document your symptoms and track your progress if it improves or worsens. In most instances your physician will run a series of tests to determine a diagnosis. If necessary, they will prescribe medications to treat or alleviate your symptoms.

Nonetheless, it isn’t uncommon to avoid treatment after experiencing a serious injury. Everyone has a different response to trauma that naturally impacts their perspective on treatment. For some, seeking medical help or therapy is a sign of weakness which can make it difficult to reveal their symptoms. In other cases, opting to self-treat or “work through” pain and mental health issues may seem to be the only options, especially if treatment costs are too expensive.

When to Take Legal Action

If you are pursuing a personal injury claim, your medical records can provide proof that your injury has affected your mental health. In most circumstances, the compensation awarded for a personal injury claim can cover medical treatment costs, hospital bills and loss of income during recovery. Seek legal advice from personal injury attorneys Santa Monica for more information about claims.

When you’ve experienced an injury and it’s taking a toll on your mental health, putting in the work and time to improve and regain your physical health is essential to recovery. It’s important to keep your focus on the things you can control regardless of what your injury is or how long the recovery process may be. Make it a priority to keep up with your social life. The positive interaction with friends and family can go a long way in the healing process. You can also try relaxation strategies like yoga and meditation to help ease mental stressors. Most importantly allow yourself to rest during the healing and recovery process. While it may seem counterproductive or nearly impossible with your daily responsibilities, resting can be extremely beneficial for your body and mind.