Truck accidents are among the most traumatic events a person can experience. When a collision involves a large commercial vehicle like a semi-truck, the injuries sustained are often catastrophic or fatal. For truck accident survivors in Missouri, the physical and emotional trauma of the crash can lead to serious long-term mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
The Severity of Truck Crashes Leads to Trauma
Truck crashes are inherently more dangerous than other auto accidents due to the massive size and weight of large trucks. When a passenger vehicle collides with a fully loaded 80,000 pound tractor-trailer, the forces involved are exponentially greater. This frequently leads to severe injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Amputated limbs
- Severe burns
- Internal organ damage
In addition to physical injuries, the experience of the accident itself is intensely traumatic. Being hit by a truck or witnessing massive destruction leaves emotional scars. Survivors are often haunted by memories of the crash, feelings of helplessness, guilt over deceased passengers, and the fear of dying. This psychological trauma can be just as debilitating as physical injuries.
Trauma Triggers Depression in Truck Accident Victims
For many truck accident survivors, the trauma leads to persistent depressive disorders. Symptoms of depression include:
- Loss of interest in normal activities
- Fatigue, lack of energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in appetite and sleep habits
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Suicidal thoughts
Depression can arise immediately after the accident or gradually manifest weeks or months later. Contributing factors include grieving lost loved ones, struggling with disabling injuries, and trying to cope with the jarring memories of the crash. Chronic pain from permanent physical damage can also trigger depression.
The severe injuries from a commercial truck collision frequently leave victims unable to work, lead an active life, or care for their families as before. Coping with these losses to independence, identity, and purpose often plunges survivors into clinical depression. The financial stress from mounting medical bills and lost income exacerbates depressive symptoms as well.
Anxiety Disorders Develop After Frightening Crashes
Many truck accident victims also suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other anxiety issues. Signs of anxiety include:
- Flashbacks to the accident
- Difficulty sleeping, nightmares
- Edginess, nervousness
- Tense muscles, trembling
- Nausea, dizziness
- Avoidance of crash-related stimuli
Survivors with PTSD or anxiety may experience panic attacks when exposed to things that remind them of the accident like driving, trucks, loud noises, or images of crashes. Anxiety frequently leads to avoidance behavior that disrupts work, social life, and relationships.
Additionally, the need for multiple surgeries and ongoing medical treatments can fuel anxiety in accident victims. Painful medical procedures, risks of treatment, and fear of permanent impairment create serious stress. Anxiety is also common after severe brain injuries due to difficulty managing emotions.
Missouri Truck Accident Victims Require Extra Support
The depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health disorders stemming from truck crashes can plague victims for months, years, or even the rest of their lives. Without proper treatment and support, these issues can lead to:
- Inability to work and financial hardship
- Isolation and withdrawal
- Strained family relationships
- Substance abuse
- Suicide
To recover both physically and mentally from the trauma, truck accident survivors need extensive help from medical professionals, mental health providers, and support systems. However, obtaining adequate long-term mental health care is extremely difficult for lower-income victims or those without health insurance.
The societal stigma around mental illness also prevents many crash victims from seeking help. Community support programs and truck accident awareness campaigns are crucial to connecting survivors with mental health resources. With proper treatment and support, those suffering from emotional trauma can regain hope and purpose despite devastating losses.
Coping Strategies for Truck Accident Trauma
There are many constructive coping methods and treatment options truck crash survivors can utilize to ease depression and anxiety. These include:
Talk therapy
Meeting regularly with a psychiatrist, psychologist or counselor to process feelings provides an outlet for trauma. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps patients control negative thought patterns.
Medication
Antidepressants, anti-anxiety meds and other prescriptions can regulate brain chemistry imbalances and relieve symptoms. Medications should be monitored closely by a doctor.
Support groups
Group therapy sessions with other crash victims reduce isolation and provides community. Sharing experiences often alleviates trauma.
Physical activity
Exercise stimulates endorphins which elevate mood. Even light activity like walking helps depression. However, over-exertion may worsen physical injuries.
Creative arts therapies
Expressing trauma through art, music, journaling, etc. can be cathartic. Art and music therapy are proven treatment options.
Meditation and yoga
Relaxation techniques help calm anxiety. Mindfulness practices teach focusing on the present to avoid spiraling thoughts.
Faith-based healing
For religious crash victims, seeking counsel and comfort from spiritual leaders or faith community members can be uplifting.
Service animals
Dogs trained to assist people with PTSD and anxiety can provide emotional support. Their presence mitigates symptoms.
Alternative medicine
Options like acupuncture, massage therapy, light therapy, aromatherapy, etc. may complement other treatment. Proper vetting of practitioners is crucial.
The most effective approach combines multiple strategies tailored to the individual. With time, perseverance, and support, even severe emotional trauma can be overcome.
Legal Options for Truck Accident Victims
One way truck crash survivors can gain resources for long-term medical care and mental health treatment is by pursuing legal action against negligent parties. Truck accidents are often caused by:
- Truck driver errors like drunk or distracted driving
- Unsafe driving under time pressures
- Failure of trucking companies to maintain vehicles
- Inadequate driver training by trucking firms
- Dangerous highway conditions
When another party is at fault for the crash, victims have the right to seek compensation through personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits. Damages like medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses can be recovered. An experienced truck accident attorney from Monge & Associates can help build the strongest legal case possible.
Though financial settlements cannot undo trauma, they can ease the financial burdens prolonging mental distress. With the costs of ongoing care secured, healing and recovery become more feasible. Justice can also provide closure. Consultation with a qualified personal injury lawyer from Monge & Associates is recommended to explore legal options.
We have offices in 32 locations and 19 states, including Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska.
Call now for a free consultation on (888) 477-0597.