Post-accident anxiety is a real issue that numerous drivers face following a car accident. However, it’s not as widely discussed. Since this form of anxiety can prevent someone from leading a normal life, it’s important to discuss what can be done.

Let’s first take a look at what post-accident anxiety may look like.

There are different forms of fear when it comes to being in a vehicle. If you’re afraid of driving, you are dealing with a phobia known as “vehophobia.” This fear often stems from a car accident, no matter how minor or severe the accident was. Technically, vehophobia is a form of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It tends to cause one to relive the accident in their minds, often picturing the accident happening again.

In a similar sense, if you have the fear of being in a moving vehicle, this is known as “amoxophobia.” Perhaps you were sitting in the backseat when the accident occurred. You might feel the urge to vomit or you could be dealing with shortness of breath every time you get in a car. Other symptoms include excessive sweating, irregular heartbeat, inability to speak, or uncontrollable shaking.

Dealing with both the fear of driving and being in a car is critical to leading a healthy life. These forms of anxiety will hinder your ability to do the things you once enjoyed.

So how can you overcome these fears? Here are a couple of suggestions:

Psychotherapy . Treating your anxiety through psychotherapy involves incorporating lifestyle changes that make your fears more manageable. A therapist will often focus on what behaviors can help alleviate these fears.

Medication . Taking prescribed medication for a short period of time may be one of the initial treatments recommended to help you control symptoms such as increased heart rate, a shaking body, and high blood pressure. Ultimately, your doctor will be able to source a medication that relaxes you or helps reduce your symptoms.  

Other forms of therapy . Other forms of battling your anxiety include meditating, which can help you focus on positive thoughts and drown-out negative emotions in return. Today, you can find online podcasts and apps that are specifically devoted to meditation. Additionally, speaking to someone about your fears can help open a deeper conversation. This can result in facing these fears more openly.

Whether you were the passenger of the vehicle or the person behind the wheel, recovering from a car accident comes with a unique set of challenges. Often times those challenges may feel exclusive to your situation. It’s important to discuss these issues with a professional as anxiety can easily hurt your quality of life.

At the Enriquez Law Firm, PLLC., we place a strong emphasis on protecting drivers of all types of vehicles (cars, trucks, motorcycles, commercial trucks, buses, and bicycles). Receiving the help you need to piece your life back to together requires legal assistance. With the compensation you receive as a victim of someone’s reckless driving, you’ll be able to secure medical and psychological assistance, which is a must for regaining health.

Our law firm will fight on your behalf to ensure you receive the help you deserve for emotional, physical, and financial needs. Please call today to schedule a consultation.

The post Post-Accident Anxiety: How to Get Behind the Wheel Again appeared first on Enriquez Law Firm PLLC.