Do you know that you can develop mental health problems after an auto accident? Below is an overview of the relationship between the two.

The Causes

There are two main ways in which an auto accident can affect your mental health:

• TBI: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the bruising and jolt the brain receives when the head is subjected to a blow. The brain bruises itself in the process, and the bruising affects your brain processes. Symptoms of TBI include memory loss, headaches, and disorientation.
• PTSD: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a group of stressful responses to a traumatizing event, such as a serious car accident. Symptoms of PTSD include insomnia, loss of appetite, depression, and nightmares.

The Effects on Life

Mental health problems can affect almost all aspects of your life:

• Work: Executing your work duties can be difficult if you are depressed or have trouble remembering things. You might fail to accomplish your usual tasks or reach your target, which might affect your relationship with your employer. You can easily miss out on work promotions or miss out on perks.
• Physical Health: Mental health problems can affect your physical health. For example, your health might suffer if you are not eating well, and you are not getting enough sleep; you can end up weak all the time. Your health is one of the biggest assets you have so an effect on your health will affect other aspects of your life too.
• Family and Social Interactions: Mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, can affect your relationship with your family members and other people in your life. For example, you might find it difficult to drive your kids to school after a car accident.

Damages

The person responsible for your crash should pay for your entire damages, including those related to your mental health problems. Some of the specific damages to watch out for include the following:

• Medical Bills: You may need various forms of treatment to deal with your mental health issues. For example, you may need ongoing counseling to help you deal with PTSD.
• Lost Wages: If your mental health complications affect your job or business, then the lost wages should also be part of your recovery. Note that you will have to prove the connection between the accident and the lost wages.
• Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering include the suffering due to your mental health and the effect of your health problems on your social or family life. Ensure you account for the damage in you in your claim too. 

If you've been in a car accident and are suffering, contact an auto accident lawyer as soon as possible.