How To Recover and Cope from PTSD After a Car Accident

Car accidents can be traumatic experiences that leave lasting emotional and physical scars. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, it’s important to prioritize your injury recovery and seek professional help to cope with the aftermath. At Impact Medical Wesley Chapel, we understand the complexities of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and offer comprehensive treatment options to help you recover and move forward.

In this guide, our team explores the signs and symptoms of PTSD after a car accident, as well as effective coping strategies for managing its effects. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or intrusive thoughts related to your accident, we are here to provide compassionate care and support every step of the way.

The Signs & Symptoms of PTSD After an Accident

One of the most common symptoms of PTSD after a car accident is anxiety or fear when driving or being in a car. If you find yourself avoiding certain roads or locations, feeling uneasy as a passenger, or experiencing panic attacks while driving, it could be a sign of PTSD.

Nightmares and flashbacks are also common symptoms; if you find yourself reliving the accident in your mind, having trouble sleeping, or feeling on edge constantly, it’s time to speak with your doctor about treatment options.

Another symptom of PTSD after an accident is physical pain that doesn’t go away even after injury recovery. This is known as “psychogenic pain.”

Psychogenic pain is a condition where a person feels physical pain but there is no identifiable medical reason for it. It can occur after a traumatic event, such as a car accident or injury recovery, and even with PTSD.

Psychogenic pain is thought to be caused by psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional trauma. After experiencing a traumatic event like a car accident or surgery, your brain may continue to perceive pain signals even though the injury has healed. This can lead to chronic pain and difficulty in recovering from the injury.

Coping Strategies for PTSD After an Accident

If you or someone you know has been in a car accident and is struggling with PTSD, there are several coping strategies that can help.

First and foremost, it’s essential to seek professional help from a mental health professional who specializes in trauma therapy. They can provide valuable resources to help individuals manage their symptoms and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

In addition to seeking professional help, there are several self-care strategies that people can practice at home. These include things like exercise, meditation, journaling, and mindfulness techniques.

Finding support from loved ones or joining support groups where other people who have gone through similar experiences share their stories also provides comfort during this tough time.

Does Manual Therapy Help with PTSD?

Manual therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of PTSD by helping to calm the nervous system. When we experience trauma, our bodies go into “fight or flight” mode. This means that our adrenaline levels rise and our muscles become tense. By receiving regular manuals, we can help release this tension and promote relaxation.

As a plus, in addition to promoting relaxation, manual therapy can also help with injury recovery from a car accident.

Visit Impact Medical Wesley Chapel

Impact Medical Wesley Chapel is the ideal place to go for after-accident care and compassionate care for PTSD. Our experienced medical professionals provide personalized treatment that focuses on helping their patients return to full health as quickly as possible.

Don’t hesitate to contact us today at (813) 953-1002 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services. Your health and well-being are important, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.