After a car accident, many individuals focus on the financial and physical hardships they encounter. There are countless individuals who sustain injuries and significant property damage as a result of collisions, but very few people consider the emotional damages that are often sustained.

For many, emotional damages are much more difficult to encounter as they impact a very large amount of the affected individual’s life. It’s important, though, to recognize that after a car accident, post-traumatic stress is a potential condition that can be developed.

While PTSD is not often associated with car accidents, it is a real issue that can cause significant problems for the injured party. Knowing how to cope with the condition, though, can be helpful. Here are five ways to cope with PTSD after a car wreck.

If you’ve suffered significant emotional trauma as a result of a car accident, you may have rights. Call us at (404) 529-9371 for a free consultation.

1. Keep A Strong Support Group Around You

One of the most important things you can do when dealing with post-traumatic stress is have a strong support group of people you can contact when experiencing triggers that cause stress and anxiety. Make a list of favorites on your phone that you can contact quickly in times of need.

Make sure they recognize your situation and can help keep you calm. This can give you a chance to talk about your situation and your feelings. Not only can you get help, but you can log the moments you feel out of control of your feelings and identify triggers that set off your anxiety.

2. Create A List Of Ways To Get Out Of Stressful Situations

For many people, there are some calming methods that can prove to be very helpful when involved in a stressful situation. A car accident can create a number of triggers such as loud crashing sounds, horns blaring, and tires screeching. When these occur, it can create significant anxiety for the affected individual.

Knowing ways to get out of the situation when they happen is extremely important. For instance, if you associate honking horns with the crash and start to experience a flashback, maybe try breathing exercises that bring you back from the memory.

3. Remember The R.A.I.N. Method To Help Your Anxiety

The R.A.I.N. method has proven to be very helpful for a lot of people who suffer from post-traumatic stress. R.A.I.N. stands for:

  • Recognize
  • Allow
  • Investigate
  • Not Let It Define You

This means recognizing that your emotions to exist. You’re going to experience fear, anxiety, stress, depression, and more. Then, allow the emotions to exist. They’re not something you have to hide. Investigate what caused the emotions and why they occurred when they did. Finally, don’t let these emotions define you.

4. Accept Help And Accept Your Condition

Whether you need to go through therapy with a professional, group sessions to discuss your issues, or even just take some time to speak with friends or family, it’s important to acknowledge that it’s okay to need and receive help for your condition.

The more you try to bottle it up and keep it to yourself, the more issues you may encounter with regards to triggers. You can try to find the help you need on your own, but with more people to turn to in your times of need, it can be easier to navigate your feelings and find the right ways to cope with what you’re experiencing.

5. Reset Yourself In Times Of Stress And Anxiety

Remember, post-traumatic stress often has the power to prevent people from doing things that they once loved because of the fear of driving or even traveling in a vehicle. Because of that, you should take time to remember the things that make you happy and calm, and reset yourself when stress and anxiety become problematic.

For instance, you may find that resetting yourself involves deep breaths, happy thoughts, and relaxing yourself—almost meditation. If you experience a trigger, take the time and try to remember these actions. It could help you in times where you experience the fear triggered by the memories of the crash.

Why An Atlanta Car Accident Attorney Is Helpful

You may not know this, but post-traumatic stress and emotional damages experienced as a result of a car wreck caused by negligence may be compensable when filing a lawsuit. However, it takes skill, knowledge, and experience to help prove it.

Enter a knowledgeable legal advocate.

Having someone on your side can help show that the other party was negligent, thus liable for any and all damages sustained in the crash. This includes any emotional damage that can cause depression, loss of enjoyment in life, and other non-economic damages.

At The Kalka Law Group, we bring over 30 years of legal experience to every case we handle. We firmly believe that those who have been wrongfully injured deserve the right to compensation and to justice when someone else’s actions have caused harm.

Our Atlanta car accident lawyers take the necessary steps to put together a strong case strategy and walk by your side in every facet of the lawsuit. You can have peace of mind and confidence knowing that you are our top priority and we stand ready to go the extra mile on your behalf.

For a free consultation of your case with a skilled attorney, we encourage you to call us today at (404) 529-9371. Let us fight for the justice you deserve.