Accidents as pedestrians or motorists can be traumatic, with many victims suffering from serious injuries that change their lives. You might have lived to tell the tale, but that doesn’t mean your experience doesn’t impact you long after you’re on the road to physical recovery. 

According to the American Psychiatric Association, at least 3.5% of U.S. adults experience PTSD annually, and one in 11 will be diagnosed with it in their lifetime. If you’re wondering whether you have PTSD after a traumatic event, like an automotive accident, you might relate to the following symptoms:    

You Have Flashbacks

It’s only natural to think about ways you could have avoided your accident, but if you’re experiencing flashbacks as if you are back at the scene, you might be experiencing PTSD. Don’t be afraid to discuss this possibility with your chosen lawyer like accident lawyer Jimmy Doan in Houston. A negligent driver may be required to cover the associated costs of your mental health care. Many people with PTSD not only experience flashbacks to the scene at random but also when they hear particular sounds and smell certain smells. 

You’re Avoiding the Accident Scene

If you were hit by a car at a particular pedestrian crossing or in a specific area, returning to the scene can often be challenging. However, if you’re continuously making detours to avoid the location of your accident, and such detours affect your everyday life, PTSD might be a possibility. Talking to a mental health professional can be important for putting you on the road to recovery. 

You’re Having Mood Swings

We all experience emotional highs and lows, but yours might be more prevalent after an accident. If you’re experiencing extreme mood changes in normal circumstances, PTSD might be to blame. It’s common to feel happy and carefree one moment and guilty, hopeless, and sad the next. Some people with PTSD manage to hide their mood swings from others, but they can often be noticeable to those closest to you. 

You’re Having Sleep Troubles

Physical pain from an accident can result in sleeplessness, but it’s important to pay attention to the circumstances around your inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. Many people with diagnosed PTSD find it challenging to fall asleep and stay asleep, but they can also experience nightmares that wake them in the middle of the night. It’s also not uncommon for people with PTSD to sleep for longer periods to avoid having to manage their feelings. 

You Won’t Talk About It

Going through something as traumatic as an automotive or pedestrian accident can take its toll, and you might be eager to put it behind you and carry on with life. However, not wanting to discuss your accident and avoiding the topic at all costs to avoid upsetting yourself can often be a sign of PTSD. Getting professional help can often be necessary to learn new coping mechanisms and make talking about this traumatic incident a little easier. 

Being in a pedestrian or automotive accident can be traumatic for all involved, and not everyone finds it easy to move on with normal life. If you can relate to these symptoms above, seeking professional help can be important for managing PTSD and getting your life back on track.