According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.19 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes. Looking at these figures makes one wonder how vulnerable they really are every time they hit the road.
Anyone who has ever been involved in a car accident can agree that it is a traumatic experience. While people focus on your physical injuries, only you can understand the psychological effect a road accident can have on you.
In such times, finding the right help is very important. Here are some of the best tips you must keep in mind to fight stress after being traumatised by a car accident.
- Get Medical Attention
Being involved in a car accident can make you feel numb for the time being. The shock of the moment may mask the pain of bodily injuries by getting the adrenaline pumping. Just because you do not feel hurt at the moment does not mean that you do not need medical attention.
Whether you see physical injuries or not, it is important to see a medical professional for a thorough examination. These professionals can help you by pointing out and treating any underlying injuries, such as concussions or tissue damage.
Timely diagnosis and treatment are key to ensuring your best physical and mental health. Your medical report can also be useful if you are considering pursuing a personal injury claim against the other party involved in the accident.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques
The trauma after facing a car accident does not come with a timer. The memory of being involved in such a traumatic incident can come back to haunt you at any time. While it can be hard to get those images or sounds out of your head, you can use relaxation techniques to calm your nerves.
Using the right relaxation techniques can lower your heart rate and relax your muscles. Hence, you will be able to cope with episodes of stress following the accident. Here are some of the relaxation techniques you can try.
- Autogenic RelaxationÂ
Autogenic refers to something that originates from within oneself. This relaxation technique involves using visual imagery to reduce stress by repeating words in your mind that can assist in relaxing your body and reducing muscle tension.
- Muscle Relaxation
Progressive muscle relaxation works by slowly tensing and relaxing each muscle. You can start by tensing and relaxing the muscles in your toes and work your way up to your neck and head. Try to make your muscles tense for 5 seconds, relax for 30 seconds, and repeat.
- Meditation
Meditation requires a quiet and comfortable place to connect with yourself. You can sit or lie comfortably and close your eyes. Focus on how your body moves every time you inhale and exhale naturally. You will feel more relaxed and grounded.
- Seek Support
Your mental health comes before anything else. Just because other people you know did not need to seek support after an accident does not mean that you must follow the same path. You must never hold back from seeking support, especially when it is from the people you love.
Whether you are close to your friends or family members, you can ring them or ask them to spend some time with you. Do not hold back from expressing your emotions, and receive empathy from those who really understand you.
You can also join a support group that welcomes people who have been involved in the same traumatic events as you. This way, you can enjoy a sense of validation and reassurance that you are not alone on this challenging path to mental and physical healing.
- Know Your Rights
Trauma and stress go hand in hand. One of the leading factors for people to be stressed after being involved in a car accident is dealing with the loss of wages, medical bills, repair costs, and so much more. If your stress is also emerging from the same grounds, knowing your legal rights can be very important.
Several attorneys dedicate their professional lives to helping injured car crash victims find the right support in their vulnerable times. They can help you learn more about your rights, responsibilities, and possible options.
Most attorneys for motor vehicle accidents work on a contingency basis. This means that you will only need to pay them a certain predetermined amount from the settlement you receive from your personal injury claim. Hence, you can forget about any further financial strain.
- Exercise More
If you are thinking of taking a day off work and hiding in the sheets can help you fight stress, it is not true. The reality is physical activity is a powerful tool to help you fight stress and promote your overall well-being after being involved in a car accident.
Of course, the intensity and frequency of your exercise can depend on the type of physical injuries you sustained in the car accident. However, you must ensure regularly engaging in physical activity to keep your stress under control.
Exercise releases endorphins that can lift your mood and reduce stress. You can ask your trainers or primary healthcare provider for the best exercise routine for your specific injuries and any possible limitations.
- Avoid Triggers
Stress can often be induced due to being exposed to your triggers. As someone who has faced a car crash, certain sounds, lights, or situations may trigger traumatic memories and flashbacks. You must try your best to avoid these triggers to ensure your mental health.
First, try to figure out what your triggers are. For example, if you feel that looking at the car lights while driving at night makes you feel stressed, try to avoid that for some time. If you must go somewhere during the night, you can call a friend, family member, or an Uber to pick you up.
You can also seek professional guidance from a trauma therapist to help you ensure quality of life by reducing stress.
