A car accident can shake you up more deeply than you might expect. Even if injuries are minor or absent, the psychological impact can linger for months or even years. You may find yourself reliving the moment or feeling unusually anxious behind the wheel.
These emotional aftershocks are more common than people realise and just as valid as physical injuries. To help you move forward, here’s a quick guide to recognising and dealing with psychological trauma after a car accident, and where to get the support you need to make a full recovery.
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Psychological trauma: How a car accident can affect the mind
Psychological trauma is the emotional distress that can result when you undergo an extremely frightening or life-threatening experience.
If you’re involved in a car accident, it can manifest as intrusive thoughts, fear, nightmares, mood swings, or intense anxiety when thinking about or encountering driving situations.
Some people do bounce back quickly, but others (especially if they previously struggled with mental health problems) may find their emotional response lasts much longer. Children and older adults can be particularly vulnerable to psychological trauma.
How to spot trauma: Warning signs and symptoms
Some signs of trauma show up immediately. Others might creep up on you within days or even weeks later. Look for changes in sleep patterns (either oversleeping or inability to sleep), emotional numbness, or an overwhelming fear of driving again.
Panic attacks, flashbacks to the accident, and persistent irritability are also common. Some people withdraw socially from friends and family or avoid anything that reminds them of the accident.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, ask for help. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness but of strength and self-awareness.
Therapy, support, and next steps to start your recovery
The road to healing from the psychological impact of a car accident starts with acknowledging your experience and reaching out for support.
A good first step is talking to your GP, who can refer you to NHS services such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
EMDR is a type of therapy specifically designed for trauma and involves recalling the car accident and ‘reprogramming’ the memory.
Support groups with others who have gone through a similar experience, and helplines, can also be incredibly helpful. It’s also worth looking into how trauma plays a role in car accident claims, especially if it impacts your day-to-day life or job performance.
Recovery from emotional injuries is possible with support
When it comes to psychological trauma, just because the injuries aren’t visible doesn’t mean they aren’t real. If you’re struggling after a car accident, don’t minimise your experience. Take the steps you need to heal, mentally as well as physically.
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