Often traumatic events occur in our lives with little or no warning. Our focus, though, is the emotional aftermath of an automobile accident. First, let us consider what the defined psychological parameters of a traumatic event are. One source states that any or all of the following conditions must be present for an event to be traumatic:
It happened unexpectedly.
You were unprepared for it.
You felt powerless to prevent it.
It happened repeatedly.
Someone was intentionally cruel.
It happened in childhood.
Traffic accidents often incur many of the aforementioned circumstances. Depending on its severity and the aftermath, when an auto accident occurs, it could take a long while and a lot of support to get over the pain and feel safe again. In some cases life is altered forever either because a victim has sustained a permanent physical injury or suffered through the loss of a loved one.
It's often necessary and even cathartic to seek professional help to combat the emotional trauma. Should you be experiencing any of the following situations - it's time to get outside help:
• Having trouble functioning at home or work.
• Suffering from severe fear, anxiety, or depression. • Unable to form close, satisfying relationships.
• Experiencing terrifying memories, nightmares, or flashbacks.
• Avoiding more and more things that remind you of the trauma.
• Emotionally numb and disconnected from others.
• Using alcohol or drugs to feel better.
For further information consult the website below and as always...drive defensively.
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/emotional_psychological_trauma.htm#when
