Truck crashes are more likely to cause serious injuries or death compared to other automobile accidents due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. In the aftermath, it’s common for crash survivors to develop anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues that may require professional treatment.
If you or a loved one has recently experienced a truck accident in Iowa, here are some tips on coping with anxiety and finding the support you need during your recovery:
Recognize the Signs of Anxiety
Anxiety after an accident may not appear immediately. Symptoms can surface days, weeks, or even months later as the gravity of the incident starts to sink in. Some common signs of anxiety include:
- Feeling tense, restless, or on edge
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability or anger
- Fatigue
- Muscle tension
- Trouble sleeping
- Racing thoughts
- Avoiding people or places associated with the accident
Severe anxiety can also trigger panic attacks featuring heart palpitations, rapid breathing, dizziness, and other distressing physical symptoms. If your anxiety is significantly impacting your ability to function normally, seek help from a mental health professional.
Address Any Underlying PTSD
Some truck accident survivors develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), an anxiety disorder triggered by a terrifying or life-threatening experience. Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, uncontrollable thoughts about the event, and avoiding reminders of the trauma.
People with PTSD may feel like they are reliving the truck crash or experience intense physical reactions when reminded of the accident. Seek an evaluation from a psychologist or psychiatrist if you are experiencing PTSD symptoms for more than a month after the traumatic event. Addressing PTSD soon after the triggering incident can help prevent long-term complications.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
When anxiety surfaces, try using the following relaxation skills to calm your mind and body:
- Deep breathing – Inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale fully through your mouth. Repeat for several minutes until you feel relaxed.
- Progressive muscle relaxation – Tense and relax each major muscle group one at a time. Notice the tension release.
- Meditation – Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing or a calming word or phrase. This quiets racing thoughts.
- Guided imagery – Picture yourself in a peaceful scene like a beach or forest. Engage all your senses.
- Mindfulness – Pay attention to the present moment without judging your thoughts or feelings.
Leaning on loved ones for comfort, praying, yoga, Tai Chi, and other relaxing activities can also ease anxiety.
Avoid Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
It’s tempting to turn to alcohol, overeating, excess sleeping, or other unhealthy behaviors to cope with accident-related anxiety. But these habits usually just exacerbate the problem. Instead, try to:
- Eat a balanced, nutritious diet
- Exercise regularly
- Limit caffeine and alcohol
- Get outdoors
- Engage in hobbies you enjoy
- Spend time with supportive friends and family
Developing healthy coping strategies goes a long way towards managing anxiety.
Consider Joining a Support Group
Connecting with others who’ve gone through similar trauma can provide great comfort. Support groups allow you to share your experiences and struggles in a judgment-free setting. Other members can offer advice on constructive ways to handle difficult emotions. There may be local or online support groups available for motor vehicle accident survivors.
Consult a Mental Health Professional
Speaking with a psychologist, psychiatrist, counselor, or other mental health provider can help immensely in overcoming anxiety. Through counseling, you can get to the roots of your anxiety triggers and learn strategies to challenge unhelpful thought patterns. Medications may also be prescribed to temporarily relieve severe anxiety and PTSD symptoms so you can function better.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one proven form of talk therapy that teaches you how to control anxiety by changing negative thought and behavior patterns. Many therapists specialize in treating accident-related trauma and anxiety.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional support if your anxiety becomes overwhelming. Healing emotionally from a major truck collision takes time and effort. The right treatment can put you on the path to recovery.
Get Legal Help After a Truck Crash in Iowa
On top of emotional recovery, truck accident victims also have to navigate complex legal and insurance issues. An experienced Iowa truck accident lawyer can help injured residents:
- Investigate accident liability and negligence
- Deal with multiple insurance companies
- Pursue fair compensation for damages
- Negotiate favorable settlement offers
- Take legal action if needed
The lawyers at Monge & Associates have successfully represented many clients injured in truck wrecks across Iowa. If you or someone you love has suffered harm due to a truck driver’s negligence, contact our office for a free consultation at (888) 477-0597. With 32 offices located in 19 states, including Iowa, Florida, and Utah, our compassionate legal team will protect your rights while you focus on healing. With an attorney on your side, you can seek the maximum compensation owed to cover anxiety treatment, medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses.