When our loved one gets into a car accident, the effects are much more than the physical ones. The effects on mental health can take a long time, and the realisation of emotional wounds might extend into daily activities to make it harder among the survivors and family, and friends. Being aware of what one can do in order to support and provide the much-needed support system to an affected loved one can go a long way in helping the recovery process. Here are six research-proven things you can do to help out friends or family members who have suffered a road trauma.
Encourage Open, Honest Communication
Trauma often leads to bottled-up emotions, which can worsen anxiety, sadness, or even PTSD. These emotions on a long-term scope may influence the quality of life and even the capability of an individual to cope with work or such activities as driving. Therefore, move towards making them understand that they can express their fears, their worries or anger. Be patient, listen more than you talk and do not say things like, move on, just be positive. And it is not always necessary to improve matters with advice; just being out there and listening to people can do more good than advice, sometimes.
Acknowledge and Validate Their Emotions
Healing of emotion is hardly linear. Your loved one can be frustrated, scared, angry, or even guilty. They should be made aware that all these feelings are very normal following trauma. Do not weaken their experience and compare it with other people. Rather, say things such as, This is normal to feel this way or You do not have to feel alone. Making them feel that they are not wrong in feeling gives them an atmosphere of healing!
Connect With Professional Help
When one of your loved ones has been demonstrating that s/he are not getting back their mental health after an accident, urge him or her to consult a counsellor, trauma therapist or even a support group. Mental health workers are well-trained and can eradicate the effects, which might appear in the form of nightmares, flashbacks, or even chronic anxiety caused due to the accident that occurred.
Defend the Rights they have to Law and Help
There are cases when it is very important to make some major decisions, which are related to law and finances, and such a situation has a great impact on the process of recovery and managing trauma. Take a Denver auto injury attorney as an example; when in the state of Denver, you can have local support that is easily accessible, and this process will not feel so intimidating. A wise attorney does not just make the procedure of claims easier, but he/she can also provide you with clear ideas on perceptions and wars of your dear one.
Ease Paperwork and Insurance Pressure
The documents that are involved in an accident are tiresome, and this burden is no less to a person who is faced with both the emotional and physical trauma. Research shows that the long-term quality of life is also affected in case one needs to file an insurance claim after a road accident. Due to this, in the event that a loved one has been involved in a car crash, ensure that you are willing to assist with organising papers, completing forms or calling with regard to insurance and hospital fees.
Promote Healthy Routines and Self-Care
Healing from trauma may be an interruption of the routine lives, so small personal care, rest, and relaxation will help. Propose engagement in activities which will support well-being, light exercise several times a day, airing, consumption of healthy products, or doing a hobby. As an example, you can prepare a favourite movie to watch together, help cook a nutritious meal or invite your loved one to take a trip with you. Confidence can be reinstated through small, good deeds that would establish a state of normality once again!
Conclusion
Accidental car crashes are one of the worst situations for a loved one, and it may be difficult to assist him or her through it, but your love and care can become a great source of their healing. Provide opportunity to speak; relieve the realistic burden and refer them to appropriate qualified assistance. Keep in mind that you are not alone in it–go to counsellors, to legal experts, and your general community to assist the loved one to heal.
