Coping with Emotional Trauma After a Truck Accident
There were 5,700 fatal truck crashes in 2021, with large trucks accounting for 9% of all fatal accidents. Thankfully, most truck accidents don’t lead to deaths or serious injuries. 310,000 of the truck accidents in 2020 only damaged property.
Nevertheless, even after the initial physical injuries heal, the emotional and psychological impact of a truck accident can linger for months or even years. Here are some tips for coping with the emotional trauma after a serious truck accident.
Seek Professional Help
One of the most important steps is to seek professional help from a psychologist or counselor who specializes in treating trauma and PTSD. Talk therapy can help you process the experience, manage anxiety and flashbacks, and develop healthy coping strategies. Cognitive behavioral therapy in particular can be very effective for post-accident trauma.
Medications may also help relieve symptoms of anxiety or depression, which can affect up to 29% of adults at least once in their lifetime. Seeking legal help from a skilled truck accident lawyer is a smart idea if you want to claim financial compensation to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Join a Support Group
Connecting with others who have gone through similar traumatic accidents can help you feel less alone. Support groups allow you to share your experiences and challenges with people who can empathize.
Some larger hospitals or community centers offer support groups for auto accident survivors and their loved ones. There are also online forums and groups dedicated to accident trauma recovery, such as the Trauma Survivors Network.
Practice Self-Care
Make sure to take care of your physical, mental, and emotional needs after an accident. Get plenty of rest and eat a healthy diet. Make time for relaxing activities like reading, listening to music, or taking a bath.
Avoid excessive alcohol and drugs as ways to cope. Regular exercise can also help relieve stress and improve mood. Be patient and understanding with yourself during the healing and recovery process.
Let Friends and Family Help You
Don’t try to cope with the trauma alone. Let close friends and family members provide practical help and emotional support.
Accept offers from loved ones to help out with meals, childcare, household chores, or transportation while you recover. Spending time with supportive people can lift your spirits and take your mind off the accident.
Use Relaxation and Coping Skills
Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation. This can help lower anxiety, reduce pain, and promote healing.
Keep a journal to express your feelings. Distract yourself with positive activities like a hobby or spending time in nature. Break big tasks into smaller steps that feel manageable. Give yourself time to grieve any losses from the accident.
Avoid Dwelling on “What-Ifs”
Ruminating endlessly on how you could have avoided the accident or what might have happened will only fuel negative emotions. Accept that what’s done is done.
Refocus your thoughts on the future and working toward emotional healing. Be aware of accidentally picking up unhelpful thought patterns like blaming yourself or feeling permanently damaged.
Get Back to Your Routine Gradually
When you are ready, start to re-engage with normal life. Return to work and social activities gradually, not all at once. Pace yourself and take breaks as needed.
Let coworkers and friends know what would help you feel supported. Achieving small steps back to your routine can build confidence.
The aftermath of a traumatic truck accident can be overwhelming. Give yourself plenty of time, support, and self-care.
With help from professionals, family, friends, and support groups, you can move forward in your recovery, gain perspective, and gradually regain emotional strength.
