Being involved in a bicycle crash can have a lasting impact on your health. In addition to physical injuries you may sustain, you may also develop psychological issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. Learning to recognize the symptoms and using healthy coping strategies is key to recovery.
Recognizing the Symptoms
- PTSD – Common PTSD symptoms after a bicycle crash may include flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts about the event; avoiding things related to bicycling; feeling emotionally numb or disconnected; being easily startled or feeling on edge; and having angry outbursts.
- Anxiety – Excessive worry, muscle tension, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, sleep issues.
- Depression – Persistent sad or “empty” mood, diminished interest in activities, change in appetite, feelings of worthlessness, thoughts of death or suicide.
The intensity and duration of these symptoms can vary widely. See your doctor if they persist beyond a month or two or are severe enough to interfere with your daily functioning.
Seeking Professional Help
Don’t hesitate to seek counseling if you are struggling with difficult emotions after your crash. A therapist can help you process the traumatic event, change negative thought patterns, manage anxiety or depression symptoms, and renew your sense of safety so you can get back to bicycling or regular activities.
Cognitive behavioral therapy in particular can teach you coping techniques to change unhelpful thought patterns than contribute to your suffering. EMDR and exposure therapy are also highly effective for processing trauma. Medications may also be helpful in managing severe anxiety or depression in conjunction with therapy.
When choosing a therapist, look for someone who specializes in treating trauma and PTSD specifically. Ask about the types of therapy they practice and their experience helping bicycle crash survivors. You may need to meet with a few different therapists to find one you feel comfortable opening up to. You can ask your doctor for referrals or search online Psychology Today listings.
In addition to individual counseling, group therapy can help by allowing you to share your story and rebuild trust through relating to others with similar experiences. Connecting with fellow trauma survivors diminishes isolation and reminds you that you are not alone in your struggles.
If finances or health insurance coverage pose barriers to seeking therapy, check if your area has any low-cost mental health clinics with trauma counseling services. Non-profit mental health agencies serving low-income communities, victims of violence or veterans also sometimes offer therapy on a sliding scale basis.
See if local universities with masters or doctoral psychology programs have low-cost community counseling clinics staffed by graduate student therapists supervised by licensed professionals. While ensuring truly affordable care, these clinics can provide quality, research-based trauma treatment.
Online therapy via videoconferencing has also become very accessible, especially since the pandemic. Search reputable platforms connecting licensed therapists providing secure teletherapy appointments at competitive rates without needing to commute to an office. This removes barriers for those in remote areas or with mobility challenges.
Self-Care Basics
In addition to professional care, be sure to practice self-care as you heal emotionally from your bicycle crash:
- Relaxation techniques – Try deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, yoga. Reduce sensory input if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
- Social support – Spend time with supportive loved ones. Join a support group to connect with others who understand.
- Healthy coping skills – Journaling, exercise, creating art or music, spending time in nature can help manage emotions. Avoid excessive alcohol/drug use.
- Take a break from bicycling – Don’t rush back into riding until you feel mentally prepared, then ease slowly back into it. Consider riding with others initially for support.
- Stick to routines – Maintain regular sleep, meal and activity schedules to keep your anxiety in check. Build reassuring structure into your days.
- Be patient – Healing from trauma takes time. Don’t judge yourself or expect to “get over it”. Stay focused on coping effectively one day at a time.
Overcoming Setbacks
Progress recovering from the psychological impact of a bicycle crash is often two steps forward, one step back. Periodic emotional setbacks are normal. Use coping strategies from your therapist and support system to get back on track. Stay focused on how far you’ve come, not how far you still have to go. With time, professional help, courage and self-care, you can move forward in your healing journey.
If you’ve been hit by a car while cycling, contact us today. Visit one of our offices:
- 7176 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, GA 31405
- 320 East Clayton Street, Athens, GA 30601
- 197 14th St. NW, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30318
- 110 Traders Cross #226, Okatie, SC 29909
Or call now for a free consultation on (800) 529-1441.