My clients may may have been exposed to grisly experiences and certainly were exposed to powerful emotions. They frequently feel frustrated by all the insurance and medical paperwork or by the sense that, no matter how much they do, there is always more! It is extremely common for survivors of accidents to experience a range of powerful emotions and reactions such as of anger, rage, despair, powerlessness, guilt, terror, or longing for a safe haven. These feelings may scare them or make them feel that there is “something wrong” with them. I frequently hear my clients say “I”ve lost my sense of humor” or “I’m not as patient with my kids as I used to be”. In response to these varying emotions, I’ve come up with the top 9 pieces of advice my staff and I offer to our clients when we’re discussing their care and the huge emotional toil it can take on them and their families.
What You Can Do To Process Your Reaction To Your Accident
- Recognize your own feelings. Strong feelings after a wreck or accident are almost universal. It is not “abnormal” or “crazy” to have strong feelings and unanticipated reactions.
- Be tolerant of other people’s reactions – their lack of understanding or “tactless” questions. People who have never been involved in an injury accident have no way to know what you are going through.
- Talk to others about your feelings. Talking helps relieve stress and helps you realize that your feelings are shared by other victims. You are not alone. The internet gives us free access to anonymous chat rooms with people who have gone through something similar to our ordeal.
- Take care of yourself: Get enough rest. Eat properly. Take time off to do something you enjoy. Get as much physical activity as possible, such as hiking or going to the gym, or exercise as your injury permits. *
- Learn relaxation exercises and use them regularly. *
- Seek out and share accurate information about assistance being offered and possible resources. Check out information about which you have doubts. One of my team members tells clients “ask questions like an annoying 2nd grader!” meaning don’t wonder about it – just ask!
- Do not allow yourself to become inactive or completely dependent on others. Get involved in making decisions that affect you. Try to solve your own problems.
- Get back to work and resume your normal family role and functions as soon as your injury permits and as directed by your doctor. *
- Do not allow yourself to become isolated from others. Accept help from others, and offer help to others.
* 4, 5 and 8 are to be done within the restrictions, if any, of your injury and only after consulting with your doctor and/or physical therapist.
Unfortunately, there will be an interruption to your life after your accident, there is no way around it. Hopefully, after your case is settled or we’ve won at trial, you will be able to recover and move on positively and confidently with your life. In the meantime, we at Keith Williams Law Group will provide a bridge from this scary and confusing time in your life to your future, which will we do our best to ensure is secure so you can meet it with confidence and optimism.
