Regardless of whether you were the driver, the passenger, or someone who simply witnessed a car crash, experiencing or observing a motor vehicle accident can be incredibly traumatic.
These traumatic events can lead to what’s known as accident-related PTSD, which refers to the development of symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of being involved in an accident or witnessing one.
As with any form of post-traumatic stress disorder, accident-related PTSD can cause a range of debilitating symptoms. This includes things like recurring flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviours, irritability, feelings of guilt, shame, and anger, or even having trouble concentrating.
In addition, these symptoms may cause people to avoid driving, refrain from getting in a car, or prevent themselves from being anywhere near one, and this can cause all kinds of relationship problems, along with psychological and work-related issues.
If you’re looking for ICBC counselling after being in an accident, or need help with accident-related PTSD for any other reason, I can teach you strategies for coping with accident trauma, and help you to reduce symptoms of PTSD using evidence-based methods like graduated exposure therapy.
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