Mind Over Mania

Today we’re going to talk about a common form of PTSD related to car and other road-related accidents. We’re also featuring Farah & Farah Personal Injury Attorney Group as they developed a great guide to PTSD for what to expect and what they offer to support their clients.

Here’s the quick stats about car accidents and PTSD in the US:

• “Over one percent of the American population is involved in a serious (causing personal injury) motor vehicle accident (MVA) each year and a majority will experience at least a minor MVA by the age of 30. MVAs are considered the leading cause of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the general population and car accidents are the number one trauma for men and the second most frequent trauma for women, according to a new book that examines updated research on PTSD among car accident victims and some effective treatments for the disorder.” Source: APA
• “Approximately one in six traffic accident survivors develop moderate mental health symptoms, regardless of the severity of the physical injuries.” – Source: Farah & Farah Law Firm
• In one Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) related PTSD study, “46.5% participants had at least three extremely severe symptoms [in the DSM PTSD criteria]…the most frequent severe symptoms were having repeated, disturbing memories, thoughts, or images”. The study also claims, “Nearly half of RTA survivors develop PTSD.” Source: NIH

With traffic incident-related PTSD being so common, what are the ways that this kind of PTSD can affect your life? The folks at Farah and Farah Law Firm work with clients struggling post-accident all the time. On their website, they say:

“Mental trauma after an accident can severely limit your ability to resume regular activities. It is normal to experience distress after a car accident, but treatment may be necessary if it is prolonged and interferes with daily functioning. The right support makes recovery from emotional trauma after a car accident attainable.”

With PTSD, the body will remember what the mind tries to forget. PTSD can develop within 1 to 12 months after an accident. So even if you feel fine in the moments after a car accident, you are still at risk of developing post-traumatic symptoms. That’s why checking in with a mental health professional post-accident would be beneficial if you begin to notice some of the following:

• Trouble sleeping and nightmares
• Anxiety, especially while in a vehicle
• Difficulty staying focused
• Memory loss

If you find yourself struggling after an accident, it’s important to have compassion for yourself and prioritize self-care. PTSD is treatable and, while it may feel overwhelming to receive a diagnosis, has plenty of resources for support. Common treatments for PTSD include:

• Trauma Focused CBT
• EMDR
• Exposure Therapy (better after the initial feelings have been processed)
• Medication
• Mindfulness practice

It’s also important to have a support system while you are adjusting to life post-traumatic event. Each person’s journey with PTSD is unique, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all way to heal. That’s why finding the right professionals to guide you through the process is crucial for getting back on your feet again.

Thanks again for sharing your excellent PTSD resource, Farah & Farah!

If you’d like to learn more about PTSD related to auto accidents, check out their page here.

If you’re looking for additional support on your PTSD journey, check out our Resource List, How To Find A Mental Health Professional, and other blog posts for more.

Mind Over Mania provides educational content and community resources but does not offer medical or mental health treatment. This article is not a substitute for professional care. If you are experiencing symptoms of PTSD or emotional distress following an accident, seeking support from a licensed mental health professional is strongly recommended.