When you are injured in an accident, you might consider seeking compensation for your medical bills through a personal injury claim. The physical pain will likely keep you from doing much more than resting during your recovery, but keep in mind the way your mental health can limit you as well. It is not uncommon for an injury victim to develop depression or post-traumatic stress disorder after an accident, nor is it unheard of for an injury victim to suddenly find him or herself facing new mental health challenges like panic attacks, anxiety, or phobias, especially if his or her accident was especially traumatic. The good news is that you can seek compensation for the costs of dealing with these issues through your personal injury claim.
You might be wondering how these mental health issues can affect your recovery. There are many ways an unhealthy mental state can make it more difficult for you to make an efficient recovery from your injury, as discussed below. If you notice these symptoms in yourself or a loved one expresses his or her concern about your mental well being, contact a licensed mental health professional for an evaluation. Seeking help for mental health problems does not make you “crazy” or “weak;” it means that you are proactive about your recovery.
A Loss of Appetite Can Hurt You
One of the hallmarks of depression is a loss of appetite. When you are recovering from an injury, your diet is important. Not eating means not receiving the nutrients you need to rebuild damaged tissue and to have the energy you need to undergo physical therapy and other treatments.
Phobias Can Keep You from Living Your Life Fully
If you developed a phobia around the circumstances under which your accident occurred, such as a phobia of driving after a car accident, you could be severely limiting yourself and your future opportunities. The best way to recover from a phobia is to face it gradually. If you are physically able, start driving again. Discuss your phobia with your counselor or psychiatrist and work out a plan for you to slowly reintroduce yourself to the issue that causes you to be afraid.
A Lack of Motivation Can Prolong the Recovery Process
Getting better is a lot easier when you make it one of your goals and actively work toward it. But sometimes, depression and other mental health issues can cause a victim to lose his or her motivation and become apathetic about recovering, especially if he or she faces setbacks. Keep yourself motivated to recover by talking to your physician and loved ones about your progress. Other ways to keep yourself motivated are to keep a journal of your progress or make time every day to do exercises that are within your range of motion.
Work With a La Crosse Personal Injury Attorney
If you are suffering from the aftermath of an accident caused by another party’s negligence, you could be entitled to recover monetary compensation through a personal injury claim. Contact our team of personal injury attorneys at Moen Sheehan Meyer, Ltd. today to schedule your free legal consultation with us.