Most people who have gone through a car accident in Michigan will experience some form of trauma, whether it is physical or psychological. Unfortunately, the psychological effects of trauma can go unnoticed and unserved, lasting longer than the accident itself. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of trauma so that you can get the help you need to recover.
Acknowledge your feelings
It’s very important for you to accept that you are going through a tough time mentally, and it’s perfectly normal to feel a range of intense emotions after a traumatic event. Don’t try to bottle up your feelings or tell yourself that you should be over it by now. Give yourself time to grieve and heal emotionally.
Talk about what happened
Talk about your experience with somebody who will understand and offer support, whether that’s a friend, family member, therapist, or support group for survivors of motor vehicle accidents. It can be very therapeutic to share your story and help you make sense of what happened.
Take care of yourself physically
After a traumatic event, it’s also essential to take care of your physical health. Get plenty of rest, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly. This will help your body recover from the stress of the accident and also help improve your mood.
Avoid using alcohol or drugs to cope
It’s tempting to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs after a traumatic event, but this will only make things worse in the long run. Alcohol and drugs will not help you deal with your emotions or make them go away. In fact, they will likely make things worse by numbing your feelings and preventing you from healthily working through them.
Limit your exposure to media coverage of the accident
Of course, at some point, you will have to go through the scene or instances of your accident, especially when gathering evidence for your case. However, you should avoid watching news coverage or reading about the accident online or in the newspapers. This can keep the trauma alive and make it harder for you to move on.
It may seem blurry or impossible at the moment, but people often recover from the psychological effects of trauma. By taking care of yourself both physically and emotionally, you will give yourself the best chance for a full recovery.
