Being in a car accident is a terrifying experience. It leaves behind damage to your vehicle or other property, along with physical injuries. While emergency responders work to address visible injuries as quickly as possible, some harm isn’t immediately apparent. Many people face emotional trauma after an accident, which can affect their daily routines and even make it more difficult to drive again.
Limit Your Media Consumption
For some survivors or witnesses of a traumatic event, following media coverage or observing the recovery process can help them regain a sense of control. However, for others, these reminders can add to their distress.
Being exposed to repeated images or videos of a disturbing event, such as clips shared on social media or news platforms, may even lead to traumatic stress in those who weren’t directly impacted or trigger retraumatization in those who were.
To protect your well-being, try to limit media consumption related to the traumatic event. Avoid watching the news or scrolling through social media near bedtime, and resist the urge to repeatedly view upsetting footage. Avoid distressing videos and images, and if you want to stay informed, consider reading news articles instead of watching broadcasts or video content.
Get Moving
When dealing with traumatic stress, exercise might be the last thing on your mind. However, it helps reduce adrenaline levels. It also triggers the release of mood-lifting endorphins. Engaging in physical activity with focus can also stimulate your nervous system, helping you shift out of that “stuck” state and take steps toward recovery.
Consider activities that involve rhythm and use both your arms and legs, such as walking, running, swimming, basketball, or dancing. Engage a personal injury doctor to ensure you are physically safe and to provide guidance on the most appropriate exercises for your situation.
Confront Your Feelings of Powerlessness
Getting through traumatic stress often requires taking proactive steps. Taking positive steps can help reduce feelings of fear, helplessness, and despair, and even small efforts can have a significant impact. You could volunteer your time, donate blood, contribute to a charity you care about, or offer support to others.
If formal volunteering feels like too much of a commitment, remember that simple acts of kindness can still bring stress relief and counter feelings of powerlessness. Carry groceries for a neighbor, hold the door open for someone, or brighten someone’s day with a smile as you go about your routine.
Connect With Others
After a traumatic event, it’s natural to feel like pulling back from friends. However, spending time with people in person plays a crucial role in healing. Simply talking face-to-face with someone can activate hormones that help ease the stress caused by trauma.
You’re not required to discuss your traumatic experiences to find comfort. Reaching out doesn’t mean you have to revisit the event. Instead, focus on being with trusted friends or loved ones and sharing everyday moments. Engaging in “normal” activities together, things unrelated to the trauma can provide a sense of connection and relief.
Endnote
After an accident, address your physical and emotional injuries. All types of damages you’ve endured deserve acknowledgment and proper compensation. Be sure to discuss with your personal injury lawyer how the accident has affected your mental health so you can access the care and support you truly need and deserve.
