Going through any traumatic ordeal can leave an individual feeling shaken and unsettled. If you know someone in a car accident, chances are they are recovering from it mentally, if not physically. Car accidents may occur very randomly and may either be minor or severe.
Being the friend of someone who has gone through such a frightening experience also comes with challenges. The best thing for you to do is to ensure that they know your presence in their life and that you will be there for them when needed. By doing so, you can help them recover both mentally and physically.
Of course, not everyone has the natural skill of comforting others easily, which is completely normal. So if you have someone in your life who has been through this situation and are unsure of how to go about comforting them, continue reading on to learn our take on how to make someone feel better after a car accident.
1. Be present and listen
A crucial part of helping someone through the trauma of a car accident is by being there for them and truly listening to them. After experiencing the accident, individuals may go through a range of emotions, including shock, fear, anxiety, anger, and confusion, among several others.
You can help them process their feelings and thoughts by offering to listen to them. Over time, they will feel more comfortable sharing their experiences with you and will confide in you for support.
Each person responds to traumatic experiences differently, which is important to consider when deciding how to be there for them. Some people may want to talk about what they went through, and others may not feel comfortable doing so. Hence, it is important to let the individual control how much they would like to share with you and when they want to do so.
You should aim to be patient and understanding and let them know that you will always be there for them when they need you. Providing them with a nonjudgemental and safe atmosphere is best to let them feel safe around you.
2. Helping out with practical matters
As previously mentioned, dealing with the aftermath of a car accident also leads to mentally taxing issues. Having to deal with practical issues could be a cause for this. For example, the individual might have to handle insurance claims, make plans for auto repairs, and manage their medical bills.
On top of this, they may even have additional obligations, such as familial or work-related ones. These tasks can be demanding and stressful, worsening the individual’s recovery.
You can help out by offering to assist them with these practical matters. Start by asking them what they need and how you can help, and go ahead with their requests as long as you can and are willing to handle them. You could help them with any of the practical issues mentioned above or even with running general errands.
If the accident entails legal implications, you could assist them when they meet with their personal injury lawyer Whitby and figure out how to handle this situation. You could simply do this by accompanying them during their meetings and helping them prepare for them. Doing this will take a great weight off the individual’s back and allow them to stay focused on making a quick and healthy recovery.
3. Provide distractions
Providing the injured individual with distractions can also be helpful! Taking them away from their overwhelming emotions, even briefly, can make them feel more positive and relaxed.
Ideally, you could distract the person based on their personal preferences. If they love movies, consider putting a fun one on for them to watch and laugh at. You could also play several different games, play them some music, and go on walks with them if their body permits. Getting out of a hospital or enclosed setting and allowing nature to heal them is a lovely way to distract them.
4. Ensure they feel supported
Ensuring the person who has just been through a car accident is supported is a key point in a healthy recovery. You can do this in multiple ways.
Reach out to their close friends and family on their behalf to let them know what has happened. This will result in them showing up and providing even more support, which will aid the individual greatly.
You may also suggest some therapy or counselling to help them overcome the shock of the accident. Simply providing them with your support and the support of others will make them feel loved and cared for.
5. Patience is key
Recovering from an accident can take time. Physical injuries and psychological shock cannot dissipate overnight, which may cause them to feel some sort of frustration. Let them know that their feelings are valid and that healing takes time.
Remembering this as you support them by being patient through the good and the bad days is also important.
