Understanding The Impact Of Accident On Emotional Wellness

Motor vehicle accidents are common worldwide. Despite global and local efforts to save lives in road traffic, every year we face millions death worldwide due to road accidents. Additionally, millions people suffer from injuries as a result of road traffic accidents yearly, currently being the significant cause of disability.

In addition to physical wound, traffic injuries can result in significant psychological problems. 

Yes, the physical repercussion of accidents are well-known, but few are well aware about its psychological impact. Often the psychological impact can be just as damaging to the victim as any physical injury that they could have faced.

The negative psychological impact can have long-lasting consequences in the form of post-traumatic stress, phobia and sadness. If these symptoms are left untreated, there is a high probability to progress into a serious mental disorder such as major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.

Additionally, the cost of illness including medical and rehabilitation costs might double. Therefore, understanding impact of accident on emotional wellness, early mental health screening and interventions are of utmost importance to reduce the psychological burden of traffic accidents.

Road accidents and related mass causalities are one of the challenges of the human society that threatens the life of the person. With a rise in motor vehicles, world is facing the largest number of victim due to road accidents and is considered as one of the main cause of death.

Emotional reaction after accident

Traumatic experiences, especially accidents, are of course very distressing to the survivors and family involved in it. Getting emotional to what has happened is natural as the incident is confusing and frightening. This is all part of natural process of recovery after traumatic experiences.

Accidents can be overwhelming and leave victims feeling quite powerless. Deep feelings of sadness are common, particularly when someone has dies or been badly injured. The shock of an accident can leave victims feeling numb and emotionally exhausted. 

Anxiety is a natural response that can leave victims less able to cope with other problems. They even fear to travel by vehicle or opt another mode for transport. Sometimes just the thought of getting behind the wheel or entering a vehicle could trigger anxiety. Even it can left victims feel like withdrawn from social circle and loss of interest in enjoyable activities.

Such incidences let down the victims and fundamentally change their outlook on life. Hopes may feel dashed and life may appear miserable.

As victims loss their peace of mind, they find it hard to concentrate. Crying over the smallest thing became their way to let out their distressing feelings.

Intense feelings of anger are quite common thinking about the injustice of the accident or those who appear to have let it happen.

New fears and anxieties may emerge such as about leaving the house or fear of “losing control”.

Some people re-experience accident in dreams or flashbacks. Sometimes, people may just get the feelings as if the original event is about to happen again. All this can be very distressing and frightening. 

Emotional recovery is possible

No matter whatever the case, emotional recovery is possible in almost all kinds of accidents.

The emotional reactions to the traumatic events usually fade away over time. However, it can leave lasting emotional scar even after years. Therefore, it is better to seek help from mental health professionals to overcome these situations effectively. Professional therapies from a clinical psychologist effectively help to overcome challenges.  Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and Exposure therapy are effective treatment for accident-related anxiety.

Sharing accident related feelings gives way to bottled up emotions. Similarly, writing about emotions help to get rid of distressing feelings.

Understanding the unfortunate and dangerous reality of road accident, it’s always better to be caution than to regret later on.

Disclaimer : The purpose of this blog is to create emotional health awareness. This information is not a replacement for medical treatment or counseling therapy.