Being involved in a car accident is never a pleasant experience. There is a lot of pain and anguish that can result from a serious car accident.
But, can car accidents actually prompt depression? Read on to find out.
How is Depression Connected to Car Accidents?
It is common for car accident injury victims to take quite a while to recover from the injuries sustained in a crash.
One study conducted by the Institute for Work and Health found that 40% of car accident injury victims who reported no signs of depression before being involved in a car accident developed depression symptoms throughout the six weeks after the accident. In addition, 18% more survey respondents evolved symptoms of depression during the following year.
The good news is that the majority of victims saw their symptoms of depression conclude within one year. Symptoms of depression are more likely to persist if you experience depression indications prior to becoming injured in an accident.
Why Does Post-Accident Depression Occur?
According to Resources to Recover, there are several reasons why post-accident depression may come about. The following are some explanations as to why you might feel down after a wreck:
- Hormone (such as adrenaline) spikes may prompt a difficult emotional re-adjustment once you’re no longer restless.
- You may not be able to sleep due to hormone imbalances or feelings of shock.
- Your worries may interrupt your appetite, energy levels, and sleeping patterns.
- You’re unable to function as usual and/or think clearly.
- You’re experiencing nightmares and/or flashbacks.
If you experience any or all of the aforementioned symptoms, you may experience feelings of animosity, agitation, or uselessness as a result. Keep in mind that these symptoms are all normal to injured car accident victims and will likely go away once your accident has been resolved.
If you’re dealing with depression symptoms and need help right away, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
We Can Help
If you’ve been injured as a result of a car accident, Attorney Paul A. Shapiro at Shapiro Law Firm, P.A. can help. Our team is highly experienced in personal injury law and have helped many other people, just like you. Let us help you, too. Don’t hesitate to contact us with your case right away.
Call Shapiro Law Firm, P.A. today at (850) 629-7226 for a free consultation.