Psychological consequences after an accident: recognizing a trauma

In Switzerland, there were over 18,000 traffic accidents involving personal injury in 2023. Accidents at work are also on the rise. Such events can turn people’s lives upside down and have serious psychological consequences that need to be treated.

Mental health problems, which often occur after a traumatic event, are a significant but often underestimated aspect of accidents. Whether anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the psychological consequences can significantly impact the lives of those affected and usually require professional support. In this article, you will learn how to recognize the psychological consequences of accidents and traumas and how to deal with them effectively.

What are the psychological consequences of an accident?

The physical injuries of an accident are usually clearly recognizable and are treated directly. But accident victims often also suffer psychological consequences, the effects of which only become apparent after a while.

The most common psychological consequences of an accident include:

• acute stress reactions. They usually occur immediately after the accident and are manifested by emotional reactions such as anxiety, shock, confusion and sadness. These reactions are usually short-term but can be very severe.
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This often develops weeks or months after the accident. Typical symptoms are recurring memories of the event (flashbacks), nightmares, strong anxiety and avoidance behavior. Those affected feel emotionally numb and have difficulty coping with their daily lives.
• long-term mental health problems. These include anxiety disorders, depression and chronic stress symptoms. The long-term problems often develop gradually and require intensive therapy.

How can I recognize trauma after an accident?

Trauma after an accident can have serious psychological and physical consequences. But it manifests itself in different ways, and not every symptom necessarily indicates a trauma. Nevertheless, it is worth looking for initial signs and recognizing the trauma early. The most common symptoms are divided into three categories.

Emotional symptoms

• Intensive anxiety and panic attacks
• Severe sadness or depression
• Irritability and anger outbursts
• Feeling of alienation or isolation

Cognitive symptoms

• Flashbacks and recurring memories of the traumatic event
• Nightmares
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory problems

Changes in behavior

• Avoiding places or situations reminiscent of the accident
• Social withdrawal
• Changes in eating and sleeping habits

How does a trauma manifest itself physically?

Traumas are accompanied by a variety of physical reactions and problems. These can occur either immediately after the accident or in the long term: Acute physical reactions include rapid heartbeat and increased blood pressure, sweating and trembling, difficulty breathing, and nausea and dizziness. In the long term, those affected may suffer from chronic pain that cannot be explained by physical injuries. Other common symptoms include persistent tiredness and exhaustion, muscle tension and headaches, as well as digestive problems.

How does a traumatized person behave?

If you suspect that you or someone close to you is suffering from trauma or other psychological consequences following an accident, there are certain behaviors that may be the initial signs. A common symptom is avoidance behavior, which is when those affected avoid places, people or activities that remind them of the traumatic event. Equally characteristic is social withdrawal – even avoiding contact. Increased vigilance, or hypervigilance in technical terms, sometimes leads to a constant sense of threat. Also common are emotional fluctuations, irritability and anger outbursts. Finally, concentration difficulties may arise, significantly affecting people's daily life.

How long does trauma last after an accident?

Acute traumas last from a few days to a few weeks and often resolve without long-term consequences if properly treated. Symptoms of chronic trauma may persist for months or even years, especially in the absence of appropriate treatment. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often develops over a longer period of time and requires comprehensive therapy. The duration of the healing process depends on several factors: the severity of the trauma, the support of the environment and the type of treatment.

What happens if a trauma is not treated?

Untreated traumas can sometimes have serious consequences, significantly impacting the quality of life of those affected.

• Chronic mental disorders: long-lasting anxiety, depression or PTSD may occur.
• Impaired quality of life: the ability to lead a normal life is severely restricted. This applies to both personal and professional life.
• Health problems: chronic stress and untreated mental illness can lead to physical health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure and other stress-related illnesses.
• Increased symptoms: if you ignore or suppress symptoms, you run the risk of them becoming more and more intensive and therefore harder to treat.
• Sudden outbreaks: repressed trauma can lead to unexpected emotional outbursts.

For these reasons, it is advisable to seek help at an early stage  and take suitable measures to cope with the psychological consequences of an accident.