Whenever we are physically injured, there can often be a heavier emotional and mental toll than we might expect. This is especially true of those who are injured in traumatic situations, such as a car accident or an assault. Here, we’re going to look at some of the long-term impacts of an injury, how they can affect our mental health, and how we can try to move past them.

Stress and Anxiety

The pain of an injury can make it difficult to get to sleep which, alongside other causes, can lead to an increase in stress due to the unregulated production of the “stress hormone” cortisol. Alongside any treatments to help you recover, you should also look at therapeutic practices like a massage that can help you address your ongoing pain and ease the stress out of your body.. This way, you may be able to get better sleep when dealing with anxiety or stress.

PTSD

It is not uncommon for those who have been injured in a traumatic situation, such as an assault or a car accident, to experience post-traumatic stress disorder following their ordeal. Keep an eye out for the seventeen symptoms and be willing to take the necessary steps if any of them apply to you. This may include learning breathing and mindfulness exercises in the day-to-day, but also looking for treatment in the long-term.

Money stress

For a lot of people, the financial burden of recovering from an injury can add salt to the wound. Paying off your hospital bills and having to take time off work, that might be unpaid, can lead to financial stress. If that’s the case, then it is worth looking at foundations that offer financial aid for families, especially those who are going through a particularly tough time.

A sense of injustice

If you were hurt by someone else or by an accident that someone else is responsible for, anger is not uncommon. However, it can turn into an anger problem that may harm those you love and care about. Seeking justice and settling personal injury claims can help you get the closure that you need. However, you should also be willing to seek help if your loved ones have noticed you being more aggressive or borderline abusive to them, as well.

Depression and withdrawal

Pain and a lack of the independence you may have once had, alongside the other issues named above can lead to a wish to want to withdraw from the world and stew in your own feelings. This is a valid response, but one that can lead to chronic depression if you’re not careful. There are steps you can take to prevent depression, including doing what exercise you can regularly, cutting back on social media time, staying in communication with loved ones and more.

If you’re struggling with your mental and emotional health following an accident or injury, then don’t just stick to the list here. See if there is any help available to you to aid your recovery in the healthiest way.