Car accident survivors often go through more than just physical pain and suffering. In many cases, the injured victims struggle with emotional distress and psychological damage in the form of stress, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions.
The emotional and mental health challenges can last for months or even years following the crash. Mississippi allows car accident victims to seek physical, psychological, and emotional damages following a crash. You should work with an experienced car accident attorney to learn more about maximizing your damages.
Car Accidents can Lead to Serious Mental Health Troubles
The human brain is the most delicate and complicated organ in the body. It’s made up of a grid-like network of neurons, hormones, and chemical connections. Everything in the brain functions as normal unless there is a disturbance. Car accidents are highly traumatizing events that can cause cortisol (the stress hormone) levels to skyrocket.
Your body will enter a heightened state of panic in this condition. Generally, the body uses self-regulation and calming mechanisms to lower cortisol levels within hours or days after the trauma. Stemming from this, you may still continue to experience anxiety, stress, and depression. You should not ignore these symptoms and visit a mental health counselor as soon as possible.
A delayed reaction to stress may not allow you to associate your symptoms immediately with the accident. A profound car accident attorney will know mental health experts that can assess your condition and help you on the road to recovery.
Symptoms of Mental Health Deterioration Following a Car Accident in Mississippi
These include:
- Withdrawal from human contact and social events.
- Inability to enjoy everyday activities.
- Mood swings ranging from guilt to anger and frustration.
- High levels of anxiety and stress.
- Depression.
- New phobias.
- Disrupted sleep pattern.
- Nightmares.
- PTSD.
You should see a mental health counselor without delay if you experience these symptoms. You may suffer secondary complications if there is a delay in treatment or if you ignore your mental health. Work conflicts, relationship problems, limitations in performing daily life activities, and an inability to function normally are a few complications that can arise in this condition.
Car Accident Survivors May Struggle with Depressive Disorders
Depression is a severe mental health issue that afflicts survivors of serious car accidents. Depression should be addressed by a qualified mental healthcare professional without delay. These are a few signs of depression:
- Feelings of worthlessness and guilt.
- Daily fatigue.
- Lack of energy.
- Recurring suicidal thoughts.
- Lack of interest in activities.
- Decreased concentration.
- Difficulty waking up.
- Inability to sleep.
- Irrational anger or irritability.
- Significant weight loss or gain.
A victim’s ability to work is seriously limited by physical injuries. Depression can be the result of not being able to take part in once enjoyable activities. Additionally, financial difficulties caused by the accident may also trigger depression and anxiety.
Ongoing Fear and Anxiety About Driving
Emotional reactions to car accidents can result in a severe phobia of getting behind the wheel. This newfound phobia can persist for days, weeks, months, or longer. You may experience intense anxiety, physical discomfort, blackouts, flashbacks, nightmares, and psychological suffering from the thought of getting behind the wheel or getting into a car.
Driving anxiety can be crippling in today’s world. You may not be able to drive, get to work, or resume your life. Children with this phobia may experience poor academic performance, bedwetting, nightmares, outbursts, and mood swings.
Treatments for emotional and psychological harm can be expensive. In many cases, working with a therapist can take months to resolve phobias and other mental health issues. You may be eligible for associated compensation if you suffer from severe phobias following the car crash.
Addressing Mental Health Issues After a Car Accident
If you or someone you love is going through physical and mental trauma following a car accident, you should seek professional help. You may receive invaluable treatment, guidance, and support by connecting with a psychologist or therapist. You need to remember that you are not alone.
There are numerous online communities and support groups that can be a source of comfort. You should also consult with a car accident attorney. They may be able to connect you with a mental health professional with experience in handling car accident victims. You need to take legal action if your accident was caused by another party’s negligence.
You can recover the compensation you deserve for your physical and mental injuries following the crash. A competent personal injury attorney can guide you through this process and ensure maximum compensation. This is someone who’s been around the legal corners and knows the type of threats that can be encountered.
Statute of Limitations for Emotional Injury and Psychological Distress
The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim in Mississippi is three years. You will need to file the claim within this time period if you want to claim compensation for mental and psychological distress. Furthermore, there are different deadlines if you were injured by a government entity. A spectacular car accident attorney can help you identify the statute of limitations and file a claim.
Our Car Accident Lawyers are Here to Give You the Right Legal Advice and Support
The seasoned car accident attorneys at Boyce Holleman & Associates are determined to protect your rights and will fight the legal battle on your behalf while you focus on recovering from your injury. Our attorneys are experienced in negotiating with ruthless insurance providers and can help you obtain the largest possible compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 228.338.2691 or write to us online.
