Physical recovery isn’t the only thing you’ll have to focus on after a serious car accident. Once the dust has settled, the bruises are fading, the car’s fixed, and the abrasions have healed…the mental and emotional impact of the accident may linger.
Mental and emotional trauma isn’t anything to be embarrassed of, and neither is it uncommon. A serious car accident can be one of the most traumatizing things to happen in someone’s life and can be detrimental to your mental health. If that’s the case, below are a few ways you can take care of your mental health after a serious car accident.
Give Yourself Time to Heal
Healing, both physical and mental, takes time. Know that overcoming the emotional trauma of a serious accident won’t happen overnight, so getting impatient or frustrated with yourself isn’t going to help.
Chances are you may need months if not years to truly shed the negative repercussions of the accident. It’s important to accept that the healing journey takes a while. There’s nothing wrong with the pace at which you’re healing, so be gentle with yourself!
Be Open About Your Feelings
A strong support system is one of the most valuable and beneficial things one can have after a serious accident. These people will be there for you every step of the journey without a moment of judgment. That’s why being open and honest with them about how you’re feeling is incredibly important when it comes to mental health.
By keeping things bottled up inside, you’re creating a burden you don’t need to carry along. The path to healing takes longer when you hold everything inside, compared to being open with loved ones about what you’re dealing with. Sharing painful thoughts and feelings with those that care about you will help you feel lighter, and give them the opportunity to help even more effectively.
Being honest about your feelings with your support system is a major, beneficial way to take care of your mental health after a car accident.
Seek Professional Help When You Need it
Where your personal support system ends, your professional care begins. Friends and family can only do so much. Sometimes, we need the help of mental health professionals. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with touching base with your doctor, seeking out medication through a psychiatrist, or speaking with a therapist. The right medication can be the key to strengthening your mental health in a tough time, and therapists can provide advice, emotional support, and guidance that will stick with you for the rest of your life.
Create a Routine
Routines can be immensely helpful for anyone going through difficult mental health troubles. Regularly incorporating healthy habits in your day-to-day life can make a huge difference over time! Some things you might consider adding to your routine are:
- Going for a daily walk or jog
- Having a healthy breakfast
- Meditating before bed
- Gratitude journaling
These are just a few ideas of what to add to your daily routine. They might seem small, but over the course of time they will start to bring positivity and stability in your life. Try out a few and see what type of routine works for you!
If you have been a victim of a serious car accident, please reach out to us so we can be a part of the team that helps you through this trying time. We’ll fight on your behalf, allowing you to focus on improving your mental health. With Barber & Associates working for you, you have one fewer stressors in your life.