Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychological disorder that happens when someone goes through a very difficult event. It can cause all manner of different changes in their life, and PTSD is unique to everyone’s specific situation. The symptoms that one person sees are not necessarily going to be exactly the same as the ones that someone else experiences.
But the symptoms can be quite serious, such as the onset of depression or the inability to repeat the action that caused the traumatic event. For example, someone who was involved in a car accident may find it impossible to drive again. Even if they are able to drive, they may have to avoid the intersection where the crash took place. They may constantly feel nervous, always assuming another accident is about to happen. Below are some risk factors that can make PTSD more likely.
You’ve never had a different traumatic experience
One thing to consider is if the car accident is the most traumatic experience of your life. For the general population, statistical analysis has found that this is true. Most people who have PTSD will connect it to car accidents, not something like serving in combat. It doesn’t mean that other things do not cause PTSD, but simply that car accidents are the most likely traumatic event for the average American.
Someone passed away in the accident
As you may have assumed, serious accidents in which loved ones pass away or suffer significant injuries are much more likely to result in PTSD. They are simply more shocking and force you to deal with more severe emotions and changes. For instance, guilt and shame are often noted as symptoms of PTSD, and they may relate to survivor’s guilt when one person lives through an accident and another does not.
Lack of support systems
Finally, those who have been in a serious accident are more likely to suffer from PTSD if they don’t have a support system to assist them after the incident. This means it may be more likely with a single individual who lives at home, for example, when compared to a married individual who has a family. But PTSD can certainly happen to anyone.
If you are suffering from this disorder or other issues after an accident, be sure you know how to seek financial compensation.
