Being involved in an accident is a difficult and scary experience. Whether you are the victim of an automobile accident or have suffered an injury in another way, your life will likely change as a result of this event. While the aftermath of your accident may seem overwhelming and too difficult to deal with, you do not have to face it alone. There are resources available to help you work through the pain, fear, anxiety and grief that may follow in the days or weeks after you were injured.
Talk with friends and family
Traumatic events tend to feel more traumatic when they are held inside and not talked about. Seek out friends and family who will be good listeners and who you feel comfortable talking to, and share with them the details of your accident and your feelings about the physical and emotional injuries you sustained. If possible, reach out to people in your life who have experienced similar trauma. Being able to compare stories and experiences will help you put things into perspective and see what your life may look like down the road.
Meet with a counselor
Although many people are embarrassed or ashamed at the prospect of “needing therapy,” there is absolutely nothing shameful about seeking the help you need to feel better. Talking with friends and family can be helpful, but the people in your life are not always equipped to handle all your post-accident needs. Licensed professionals have years of experience in dealing with trauma and grief, and therapists can suggest cognitive exercises, books, and medications that may help you learn to take your life back. Also consider participating in group therapies and visiting a support group or grief center.
Maintain old habits
While your injury will no-doubt impact your life to a certain degree, try to live as “normally” as possible after your accident. Eat a healthy diet and exercise as much as possible. Avoid drugs, alcohol, or abusing prescription medications. Be involved in the activities that your injury will allow, and surround yourself with people you care about. Exercise your mind by reading, writing, and creating, and do not isolate yourself or allow yourself to be cut off from the world around you. Consider keeping a daily journal to document your thoughts, feelings, and progress. Fight to be involved as much as possible, and to keep yourself as healthy as possible. Maintain your personality and lifestyle, and do not become discouraged if healing takes longer than expected.
Take advantage of online support
The Internet is filled with thousands of websites that can offer support and relief during this difficult time. While not everything on the web is 100% reliable or trustworthy, the vast majority of injury information is there to help you. Online, you will find resources that explain how to deal with trauma, how to seek help, what to expect for the future, and how to get in contact with others who are in your same situation. An entire community of support is waiting for accident victims online. Visit websites like familydoctor.org and traumahealing.com to get started.
Work with your legal team
When we agree to take your case, you become part of our Good Guys Injury Law family. We want to do everything we can to make your post-accident life easier. Our team will work with you to provide legal help and to suggest resources that will improve your quality of life. We will work hard to help you receive adequate financial compensation for your suffering so that you may resume providing for your family and be on your way to feeling “normal again.” Should you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact a member of your legal team.
Photo copyright to Durrah Ramli