Car accidents can cause depression, even in people who have never been depressed before. Depression is more than everyday sadness. If you are depressed, you may lose interest in ordinary activities, have trouble concentrating, feel hopeless, have no energy, or feel other symptoms. Car accidents cause depression because they are traumatic.
Depression is a serious condition that often needs professional care. It can cause problems at work, at school, and in your relationships. It can cause you to miss out on life’s pleasures and opportunities. Depression is usually treated with professional counseling, prescription medications, or a combination of both. Getting prompt treatment for your depression increases the chance that your mental health will soon be back to normal.
How can I tell if I am depressed?
If a severe injury leaves you scarred, disabled, or unable to do many of the things you used to do, it seems logical that you would feel depressed as you struggle to come to terms with your new reality. But depression can come as a surprise to someone who survived an accident with relatively minor injuries. Here are some of the signs of depression:
- A loss of interest in activities you used to like
- Anxiety that isn’t normal for you
- Headaches and stomachaches that have no apparent cause
- Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- A loss of appetite
- Trouble sleeping, or feeling low-energy and wanting to sleep all the time
- Trouble concentrating
- Suicidal thoughts
- Guilt
What should I do if I think I am depressed?
The most important rule is don’t ignore your symptoms. Depression is a very real illness, and it is not your fault that you are struggling. Getting help early can help prevent your feelings from escalating to a crisis point. And the sooner you get professional help, the more quickly you are likely to recover.
A first step is to talk about your feelings with a friend or family member who you can count on to be supportive. If your depression is mild and not seriously affecting your daily life, these conversations may be enough to help you feel better.
If your depression is more serious and affecting your day to day life, we urge you to make an appointment with a mental health counselor such as a psychologist or social worker. A counselor can evaluate you, help you overcome your depression through counseling, and refer you to a doctor if you might benefit from medication.
Should I contact a lawyer?
We recommend that you always schedule a consultation with a lawyer as soon as you can after a car accident. A lawyer can help you recover money from the driver who was at fault. This money will help pay for the cost of your injuries – including treatment for mental health issues such as depression.
Under Georgia law, the other driver’s insurance company must pay for all the costs of your “bodily injuries,” including the cost of mental health treatment – but this is only true if you were also physically injured. Insurance does not have to pay for purely emotional injuries such as depression without any physical injuries.
If you have both physical and mental injuries, a lawyer can help you recover money to pay your costs, plus additional damages. If you think depression is your only injury, a lawyer can refer you to doctors who can evaluate you to find out if you have any other injuries, including a concussion that might be contributing to the depression.
A lawyer can then handle the insurance company for you, making sure you get all the money you deserve, either in an out of court settlement or in Atlanta, Georgia car accident law suits. Many accident victims get tens of thousands of dollars more money, just because they talked to a lawyer.
Meet with an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer—For Free
We have one of the best track records in the state for getting money for car accident victims. We make our services accessible by not charging you unless we win you money. Set up a free consultation and we’ll explain your rights and tell you if you have a claim. Call us at (404) 341-6555 or fill out the form to the right to get your free consultation today.
