There’s no doubt that riding a motorcycle is a thrilling experience. But as any biker would tell you, it can have very severe risks.
In 2020 in the state of Florida, there were 8043 motorcycle accidents. This led to 551 rider deaths and 6920 injuries.
As per a report from NHTSA, motorcyclists are 28% more likely to be fatally injured compared to drivers of other vehicles.
Even if the rider survives through some luck, they suffer accidental damage. The treatment for these injuries can be expensive and lead to a lot of downtimes.
In addition, the physical and emotional impact can also lead to serious emotional trauma. The emotional trauma most often leads to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.
In this article, we will talk about dealing with emotional trauma after a motorcycle accident.
3 Ways How To Deal With The Emotional Trauma:
1. Dealing with PTSD.
PTSD may develop in a person after undergoing or witnessing a traumatic event. Motorcyclists often develop PTSD after a serious accident. PTSD can branch out and also lead to depression and anxiety.
After going through an accident motorcyclists may notice symptoms like social withdrawal, inability to focus, irritability, or insomnia. If these symptoms persist for a long time, it is better to seek help and start treatment. PTSD is diagnosed through a physical and psychological evaluation.
While suffering from PTSD may be quite serious, there’s no need to worry too much. There are several treatments available. The most common and effective easy are medications and psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy takes several forms depending on the patient. Different types of treatment may be used in conjunction or individually.
Some examples include cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy. The former helps the patient recognize and change negative thoughts. On the other hand, the latter teaches the patient to confront thoughts that cause irrational fear.
Further, the use of medications can be quite helpful too.
Numerous medications have been approved to treat PTSD symptoms. Antidepressants help patients deal with anxiety and depression symptoms. It can also help them deal with insomnia and concentration problems. But it’s always necessary to consult with your doctor first.
2. Dealing with emotional trauma due to financial problem.
A motorcycle accident can be quite traumatic. Not only for your mind and body but also for your finances.
In many states, accident victims are liable for compensation. Both economic as well as non economic. Economic damages include property damage, income loss, and medical treatment. Non economic damages include emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment in life.
To deal with such financial problems and get fair compensation for your damage, make sure to avail motorcycle accident attorney legal services immediately after your accident. They are well educated in the case statutes and laws. They also know exactly the kind of evidence needed to prove these damages for compensation.
Depending on your circumstances, your motorcycle accident lawyer can use medical records, photos, financial records, deposition of medical and financial experts to seek damages.
Approximating the right compensation can be difficult. This is especially so if the driver has suffered some permanent injury. This is exactly why it is important to hire a good motorcycle accident lawyer to make sure you get your fair compensation. While it may not turn back time, you will at least be at peace knowing your finances are safe.
3. Dealing with Depression.
Depression is a common diagnosis after a motorcycle accident. It is quite common even in cases without any serious consequences.
The loss of confidence after going through an accident can be enough of a trigger to put the driver into depression.
Thankfully, depression is widely researched. As such, treatments for depression have advanced greatly in the last decades.
Depression is usually characterized by feeling loss, despair, sadness, or hopelessness. Suicidal thoughts, social withdrawal, feelings of guilt or failure are some common symptoms of depression. Physical or emotional response to injury can also contribute to depression.
Motorcyclists suffering from depression after an accident are treated with a combination of medication and counseling.
Some patients might not even need to take medications. Other things like exercise or acupuncture can help deal with depression too. It is important to remember that depression is a mental issue. The feelings associated with depression are purely in the mind of the patient. Effectively dealing with emotions can help deal with depression.
What should you remember?
Dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident is not easy at all.
Even if you make it out with minor injuries, the unpleasant feelings stick around for a long time.
This can uproot your life after the accident and make it difficult to maintain your relationships and career.
Be sure to take proper measures after an accident. Go through the proper formalities and take a break to rest your mind.
Most important, don’t let such incidences keep you down forever.