Anxiety After a Car Accident
The trauma of a car accident often extends beyond physical injuries, with anxiety and other mental
health challenges emerging as invisible but deeply impactful consequences. Anxiety is one of the
most common psychological issues that can persist long after a collision.
For some people, these symptoms subside with time, but for others, they can develop into a more
complex condition, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), affecting daily life and
relationships.
How Common Is Accident-Related Anxiety?
In Canada, the mental health impact of car accidents is a growing concern, and Atlantic Canadians
are particularly affected. According to a survey conducted by the Canadian Mental Health
Association (CMHA), nearly one in four Canadians experience an anxiety disorder at some point,
and accident survivors show higher prevalence rates due to the trauma experienced.
In 2020, Nova Scotia reported a 12% increase in anxiety-related mental health consultations
following car accidents, underscoring how common anxiety symptoms are among accident
survivors.
Common Effects of Anxiety After a Crash
For those impacted, anxiety often disrupts routines and daily functioning. In addition to fear of
driving, anxiety after an accident can cause:
• Sleep Disturbances: Many automobile accident survivors report difficulty sleeping, often
due to vivid nightmares or recurring thoughts about the event.
• Social Withdrawal: A reluctance to engage in social activities can stem from a fear of
another accident or nervousness in crowded settings.
• Loss of Appetite and Physical Symptoms: Many survivors experience physical signs of
anxiety, such as headaches, dizziness, and a reduced appetite, which can impact their
overall well-being.
• Depression and PTSD: For some, anxiety intensifies into depression or PTSD, conditions
that can be harder to manage without professional help.
Recognizing PTSD: A Closer Look at the Symptoms
PTSD, a severe anxiety disorder that can develop following a traumatic event, is particularly
common in accident survivors. Symptoms are typically divided into three categories:
1. Reliving the Trauma: Flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, and nightmares are common, and
these moments of re-experiencing the accident can be intense and unsettling.
2. Avoidance: People with PTSD may start avoiding situations that remind them of the
trauma. For instance, they may stop driving or avoid being a passenger in a vehicle.
3. Hyperarousal: Those with PTSD often feel on edge, experiencing increased stress, anger,
and difficulty concentrating. Physical symptoms like racing heartbeats and sweating can
make daily activities overwhelming.
A Nova Scotia case from 2019 highlights the impact of PTSD after a car accident. The plaintiff, who
was involved in a severe collision, testified that she became fearful of driving and avoided main
roads entirely. Her case ultimately resulted in compensation for psychological harm, recognizing
the enduring impact of anxiety and PTSD on her quality of life.
The Impact of Accident Anxiety in Atlantic Canada
Car accidents in Atlantic Canada have been on the rise, with New Brunswick, for instance,
reporting a 4% increase in collision rates in 2022. Alongside these statistics, local mental health
services have reported an increase in anxiety-related inquiries, particularly following motor vehicle
accidents. These trends underscore a regional need for accessible mental health services tailored
to accident survivors.
In a widely reported case from Newfoundland, a car accident survivor shared his journey with
PTSD, detailing how the event led him to avoid certain roads and even lose his job due to anxietyrelated absences.
Stories like this bring awareness to the unique mental health challenges faced by those in the
Atlantic region, where access to specialized mental health care can be more limited than in other
parts of Canada.
Coping with Anxiety: Steps for Recovery After an Accident
Managing anxiety after an accident is essential for restoring well-being, but the journey is often
complex. Seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor trained in trauma care is a
recommended step. Therapy helps many accident survivors process their experiences, and
medications like antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs can aid in managing severe symptoms.
In New Brunswick, the province has increased funding for mental health services, recognizing the
link between mental health and recovery from traumatic events, including car accidents. This
initiative is particularly helpful for those who may not otherwise have access to resources, like
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a proven treatment for anxiety and PTSD.
Treatment Options Available in Atlantic Canada
1. Therapy and Desensitization: Therapeutic approaches, such as exposure therapy and
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), are effective for managing post-accident anxiety. In
Newfoundland, therapists have been using virtual sessions to increase access to these
therapies in rural areas, making treatment more widely available.
2. Medication: For individuals with severe symptoms, antidepressants or anti-anxiety
medications may be prescribed. In Nova Scotia, the provincial government has improved
access to mental health consultations to ensure those in need of medication can receive a
timely assessment.
3. Peer Support and Community Programs: Mental health organizations across the Atlantic
region, such as the CMHA and the Trauma Healing Centre in Halifax, provide peer support,
workshops, and community programs focused on managing post-accident anxiety.
Moving Forward: Supporting Mental Well-Being in Atlantic Canada After
an Accident
In Atlantic Canada, it is crucial to prioritize mental health following an accident to ensure a
comprehensive recovery. From seeking therapy to engaging with local support groups, taking
proactive steps can alleviate anxiety and rebuild confidence.
Many Atlantic Canadians have found community support essential in their recovery journey,
emphasizing the region’s commitment to mental health and resilience. Ultimately, recognizing and
addressing the mental health impacts of accidents is as vital as treating physical injuries.
Whether through therapy, medication, or community support, access to mental health care in
Atlantic Canada is a critical component of the recovery journey for accident survivors and their
families.
Helping Injured Clients
For over 35 years, CLG Injury Lawyers have helped thousands of injured clients. We fight for your rights to receive the maximum compensation you deserve. Providing you the Peace of Mind to focus on your Road to Recovery. Our experienced personal injury lawyers offer a free, no obligation case evaluation.
For more articles and safety tips, go to https://clginjurylaw.ca/blog/ or subscribe to our newsletter.
