If you have suffered an injury in an accident such as a dog bite or a car crash, you could be facing mental injuries as well as physical ones. You might feel anxiety, experience panic attacks, or find yourself feeling depressed, especially if you are adjusting to life with a significant or permanent injury.
You probably think you know what it means to be depressed. The image of a slow, quiet individual moping around the house all day, unable to eat, sleep, or work might come to mind. Although lethargy, sleeping problems, and a decreased appetite are a few symptoms of depression, they are not the only ones. Many individuals who suffer from depression do not realize they are suffering because they do not exhibit these stereotypical symptoms. These individuals often go without proper treatment because they did not recognize their symptoms.
Learn more about some of the lesser-known symptoms of depression and if you find yourself experiencing them, discuss them with your doctor. Depression can be a crippling illness – get the help you need. If you file a personal injury claim, you can seek compensation for the treatment you receive for your accident-related mental issues.
Overeating
Many associate depression with a decreased appetite, but it can also cause an individual to have an increased appetite. As a result of the overeating, the individual might gain weight.
Impatience and Restlessness
Impatience, touchiness, and irritability can be symptoms of depression. If you find yourself snapping at others easily and unable to relax even when you want to, you could be suffering from depression. This can often be an overlooked symptom because it contrasts so starkly with the image of a slow-moving, morose depressed person.
Minor Physical Pains
If you are plagued with headaches, cramps, and general aches and pains in your body that do not subside with treatment, they could be occurring because of your depression.
Difficulty Making Decisions
Feeling as though you are stuck in a mental fog is a symptom of depression. If you feel that you cannot make decisions, remember details, or concentrate on simple tasks, you might be suffering from depression.
Remember, none of these symptoms means that you are definitely suffering from depression. You might experience one or two, all of the above, none, or some combination of one or more of these and the more “traditional” depression symptoms like listlessness and feelings of hopelessness. Discuss all physical, behavioral, and mental changes you notice in yourself or that others notice in you with your doctor, especially if you have been injured in an accident.
Work With a La Crosse Personal Injury Attorney
It is not uncommon to suffer from mental health issues like depression after suffering a physical injury in an accident. If you are suffering from depression and it is taking a toll on your ability to recover from your injury, speak with an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your options for seeking compensation for the damages associated with your depression. You can potentially receive compensation for the bills you receive from your mental health care provider. To learn more, schedule your free legal consultation with a member of our team of personal injury lawyers at Moen Sheehan Meyer, Ltd.