6 Ways to Cope with Stress and Anxiety after an Accident

Accidents do happen. It is part of the uncertainties that we face in life. If ever we have to survive an accident; we have the daunting task of overcoming stress and anxiety of getting back on our feet. Most often after an accident, people suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Coping with it will increase your chances of living a more normal life and here are ways to do it.

Have a strong support system
It pays to have a strong support system in order to help you carry the weight of the emotional burden regarding the accident. You can also tap the services of a professional therapist or a counselor. Anybody that can lend an ear is helpful to the cause of alleviating you from the stress from the incident. Tell them how you feel and what are your thoughts, days after the accident. Allow yourself to be surrounded with your supportive friends and loved ones. These people will help encourage you to move on with your life.

Exercise
If you are physically fit to do some strenuous activities; then have a regular exercise regimen. You need to release those pent up emotions and have some adrenaline pumped into your system. This will boost not only your physical health but mental health as well. Exercise is known to release feel-good chemicals in the brain. Maintaining the right amount of feel-good chemicals will prevent you from having a bout of depression. Avoid being taken over by too much anxiety and depression by keeping yourself healthy physically and mentally. This way, you can easily recover from the debilitating effects of stress and anxiety.

Seek professional help
Days after the accident, you may need to revisit the situation with your doctor. More often after the injuries start to heal; your doctor would refer you to a mental health professional. As physical injuries recover, it is time to address the mental injury and trauma caused by the accident. There should be a holistic approach in the treatment of the injuries which clearly includes your mental state. Never shun away from the fact that you need help to get your mind healthy.

Learn from the incident
It is important that we learn from the lessons that we take away from the incident. The incident’s lesson should make us stronger and responsible the next time around. Again, everything happens for a reason. If you disallow the lessons to guide your life for the better then the whole incident has become a complete failure. Get the best out of the situation by becoming a better person. Leave the incident in the past and move on with your life. This may seem easier said than done but you need to move on. Life is too beautiful to waste it on recalling your negative experiences.

Try to bounce back
Bouncing back means that you need to go back to your old routine. Slowly pick up the pieces and start where you left off. Get back to your daily routine and do your usual activities. Getting back at where you left off gives you the sense that everything will just be alright. Learn to bounce back to your normal life not only for your own sake but for your loved one’s sake as well.

Communicate
People that are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder most often get depressed. It is important that you communicate how you feel effectively. There may be instances that you would need to have an intervention. People won’t have a clue at what you are going through if you don’t tell them. Be open about your feelings so that necessary help and intervention can be done right away.

Coping with stress is as hard as the incident itself. It is the time when people will have to begin rebuilding their lives. When you are in a situation where you or a friend needs help never hesitate to ask or give it. Everyone’s help is the key to getting over the hump caused by the unfortunate incident.

About the Author:

Ryan Rivera used to suffer from anxiety attacks for seven years. He now advocates healthy living as the best weapon against anxiety and depression. You can read more of his articles at Calm Clinic.