Getting into a traffic accident can be traumatizing. It can be worse for those who ride bikes. Many of the cyclists who have gotten into an accident do not realize that they have developed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. The disorder is a condition that a certain person experiences after seeing or living through dangerous events. The signs of the disorder usually appear within three months after the accident. The symptoms should last a month for it to be considered severe enough that it can interfere with the daily activities of the victim.
It is important to treat the disorder early and approach a professional. One way would also be to approach bike lawyers that can advise you what to do legally. They can also help you talk to the insurance company for settlements. If you or someone you know was a victim of a bicycle accident, here are the symptoms of PTSD.
Flashbacks
When the victim sees something that will remind them of the bicycle accident, be it a feeling, person, word, or object, the person will experience the symptom. Furthermore, they will see distressing images and unpleasant thoughts. They will also have flashbacks that can become nightmares. It will be like going through the accident repeatedly.
Avoidance
The person will have no interest in anything that connects them to the collision. He or she will change their daily routine to avoid the object that reminds them of the accident. They will also avoid talking about the event. For cyclists, it would be to avoid riding a bike.
Change of Reaction
The victim will easily be startled. He or she will also be constantly on edge. The patient will have trouble sleeping, and be prone to sudden outbursts of anger. They will have a more aggressive demeanor. The victim will always be on guard for any accident to happen. The symptoms will be triggered when they are stressed or furious. Furthermore, it will be hard for the person to eat, sleep, and concentrate.
Negative Mood and Character Changes
The person will constantly have negative thoughts about themself and everyone around them. He or she will also not look forward to anything. They will also be incapable of expressing any emotion and have difficulty being positive. Their relationships with family and those that are close to them will deteriorate. The patient will have a hard time remembering key parts of the accident.
For Children and Teenagers
The reactions of children and teens will be extreme. They will try to re-enact the event through playing. They will also have constant nightmares of the accident. The younger children might wet the bed, forget how to talk, and will be more attached to their parents or adults that offer them comfort.
Teenagers or older children will show similar symptoms as the adults. They will also show disruptive attitudes similar to being disrespectful and being destructive. They will also feel guilty and may want to exact revenge on the perpetrator of the accident.
People with this disorder should approach a professional that will help them overcome the anxiety disorder. It will also be best to ask for help and emotional support from those that are closest to them.