Can a car accident cause mental illness?

After a tragic car accident, most individuals focus on their financial hardships and recovery from their physical injuries. Motor vehicle collisions can cause a wide range of damages, however, these are the most prevalent. Damages to one’s mind and emotions can be just as damaging and even more agonising than physical harm. Car accident survivors often have long-term mental health issues. Emotional pain and/or grief can continue for years and have a bad impact on your relationships, job, productivity, and general health if it isn’t dealt with.

Please don’t feel like you’re alone if you’re experiencing mental health issues. You do not have to endure the pain of coping alone. You should treat your mental health as seriously as you would treat any physical injuries that resulted from a car accident. Doctors & therapists are the best people to turn to for help. They may propose coping methods, therapy, and other appropriate services to help you improve your mental well-being.

There are 2 types of PTSD: acute and post-traumatic

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is the most common mental health issue that car accident survivors must deal with (PTSD). Car accidents are, however, the main cause of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the general population, according to the American Psychological Association. Acute Stress Disorder has PTSD symptoms (ASD). But the fundamental difference is that the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder can continue for years, rather than only four weeks. An autism spectrum disorder (ASD) only lasts for a few months or years, although there are some similarities.

Anxiety Disorders That Remain Chronic
For months following a terrible occurrence, people tend to feel little to no anxiety or fear. Anxiety can continue for weeks or months, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Women are more susceptible to persistent anxiety after a car accident, with 70% expressing high levels of worry in the first month and 15% reporting moderate levels of anxiety six to eight months after the event.

Depression of a Severe Nature
Crash victims and the general population are equally affected by depression, which is recognised as major depressive disorder (MDD). The pain & suffering caused by an automobile accident is usually connected to depression. It is possible for MDD to create setbacks gradually, and the person may not realise they are suffering from the illness for months.

What Causes Post-Traumatic Depression?
The ability to work, exercise, or engage in ordinary activities such as playing with one’s children might be hindered by some physical impairments. Because of pain or a crippling injury, it’s acceptable if you’re depressed if you can no longer participate in the activities you formerly enjoyed.

Stress and concern about the financial ramifications of a car accident can also lead to depression among sufferers. In addition, pharmacological medicines can be used to treat depression, which is common in people with anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Consult a healthcare practitioner immediately if you suspect that you are suffering from depression.