Around one in 25 people live with a serious mental illness in the US, and 9.5% will suffer from a depressive illness such as bipolar disorder.
Sustaining a personal injury such as a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, or disfigurement can take a significant psychological toll on the injured person. The suddenness of the injury, severe physical pain, and life disruption often lead to significant mental health issues that can persist long after the physical wounds have healed.
Depression
It is extremely common for personal injury victims to develop clinical depression. The loss of independence, inability to work, financial stress, chronic pain, and change in social/family roles lead to profound sadness, despair, and loneliness in many patients.Factors such as a prior history of depression or anxiety increase the likelihood of developing a major depressive disorder after injury. Without proper treatment, depression can become disabling and lead to suicidal thoughts and self-harm behaviors.
Anxiety
Generalized anxiety affects 3.1% of the population, but less than half of those people receive treatment. Bill Winters, a Clearwater injury attorney, explains that many who have suffered personal injuries experience heightened anxiety, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, and phobias. The anxiety may stem from financial worries, fears about permanent disability, terror of reinjury, social isolation, or previous anxiety disorders exacerbated by the injury. Anxiety can significantly impair functioning and quality of life if left untreated. Relaxation techniques, therapy, and medications are often prescribed to alleviate chronic anxiety.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Some personal injury victims are at risk for PTSD, an anxiety disorder triggered by the psychologically traumatic nature of the accident or injury. Around 22% of serious road traffic accidents will end up with PTSD. Symptoms include flashbacks, hypervigilance, fragmented sleep, emotional numbness, and avoidance of people or situations that remind the patient of the trauma. PTSD can be severely disabling and require intensive therapy and medication management. Risk factors for PTSD include the severity of physical injury, presence of a brain injury, history of mental illness, and lack of social support following an injury.
Identity Struggles
Suffering a grievous personal injury often forces people to grapple with a fundamentally altered identity and sense of self. The person they were before the injury may be drastically changed in terms of capabilities, roles, independence level, and self-image. Accepting a “new normal” post-injury is key to moving forward. Connecting with others who have similar injuries can help affirm the sense of self.
Suicidal Ideation
In severe cases, the crushing psychological effects of personal injury can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Factors that can increase suicide risk include chronic pain leading to hopelessness, disfigurement linked to shame/embarrassment, financial ruin, and social isolation. Warning signs include talking about death, saying goodbye, withdrawing from loved ones, and acquiring lethal means. Seeking help immediately from a mental health professional can save lives.
If your mental health has suffered following a personal injury, talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer for advice.
With comprehensive mental health treatment, many who sustain personal injuries can regain their emotional footing and rebuild a satisfying life. Support groups, psychotherapy, medication, and developing new passions and purposes can go a long way toward restoring psychological well-being. While the injury may be permanent, happiness and hope are still attainable.
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