Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition triggered by a traumatic experience or event. The human mind is strong, but sometimes a painful event may leave a devastating impact which may manifest itself as nightmares, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and uncontrollable negative emotions. Healing takes time, and old wounds will slowly start to fade with proper self-care, therapy, and treatment.

Reportedly 30% of car accident victims suffer from PTSD, which can begin hours after the accident and last for decades. Even if the victim has not suffered from severe injury, the emotional trauma can be debilitating. Many suffer in silence because they believe that emotional damage is not as visible as a physical wound.

PTSD Symptoms

• Emotional distress: recurring and invasive negative thoughts of the car accident
  
• Reliving the car accident
  
• Emotional reaction to anything that reminds you of the accident
  
• Avoiding all talk about the accident even with close friends
  
• Increased response to things that previously did not bother you
  
• Sleeping difficulties and nightmares of the accident
  
• Building a negative perception of the world around you
  
• Anxiety about driving or riding in a vehicle
  
• Trouble believing that the accident happened
  

• Talk to your close friends and family and be vocal about your mental health and triggers. Do not feel ashamed to go for therapy, remember an emotional wound is as real as a physical one.
• Get in touch with your body and try to stay active. Many accident victims who may have suffered from physical injuries such as fractures tend to become wary of physical activities. Consult with your physician about what kind of activities will benefit your recovery.
• Stay in touch with reality by following your everyday routine. Many people living with PTSD feel disassociated with their lives after the traumatic event. A sense of normalcy can be healing.
  
• Relearn driving by incorporating defensive driving techniques and always follow safety rules. Avoid texting, talking, eating, and drinking while you drive.

Statistical reports show that in 2019 alone, 151 thousand fatalities occurred due to road accidents in India. Emergency medical care is severely lacking in most parts of the country and one of the major causes for accidental deaths is not getting the proper treatment on time. It takes about 30-45 mins for an ambulance to reach the accident scene, delaying the treatment and missing out on the ‘Golden hour.’

QRLifeCare is the first hybrid emergency communication system for Indian residents, enabling faster response time and better medical care. You can store all your relevant medical information securely with the encrypted QR code and keep up to INR.100000 in emergency funds. Be prepared for any emergency with QRLifeCare.