Often, after a car crash, you experience shock. Once the shock subsides, you may experience a range of emotions.
Most car accidents are unexpected, and you may not have been prepared for or able to prevent them. Gaining this perspective can help you understand the feelings you have after a car crash.
These feelings and reactions will eventually fade as the car is repaired, insurance matters are resolved, and physical injuries heal. However, if you are struggling with your mental health or overall well-being after a car crash, it is important to seek help.
In New Zealand, many organizations offer free support if these feelings persist longer than you anticipate or hinder your daily activities.
Expected emotions after a car crash:
Shock, denial, or disbelief
Immediately after an accident and for several days thereafter, people typically experience shock. Symptoms of shock can vary from person to person, but they may include feeling numb, emotional distress, fear, and a persistent sense of fear even after the accident has passed.
Even if you were not driving when the accident occurred, you can still experience shock. This applies whether you were a pedestrian, a passenger, or a driver in another vehicle.
Anger, irritability, agitation
Even if you were not at fault, you may still feel anger toward the other driver. Both drivers may experience anger toward passengers as well.
When you feel agitated and irritable, it is easy to direct your anger at others. It is important to recognize that these feelings are part of a stress response, and you do not have to act on them. You can calm yourself down by learning simple breathing exercises to help manage anger.
This article was written by an auto accident doctor at Florida Medical Pain Management. Florida Medical Pain Management is proud to offer comprehensive pain management services to a diverse group of patients. Patients at Florida Medical Pain Management can get help managing hip, knee, leg, and neck pain. The practice also offers comprehensive arthritis management, along with treatments for auto accidents, sports, and work injuries.