Malaika Arora reveals car accident has left her with trauma; know about psychological effects of being in a road accident

Last month, Malaika Arora was injured in a road accident when her car was caught in a three-vehicle pile-up as she was returning to Mumbai from Pune. In a chat with BT, Malaika talked about how she now feels fit physically, but her state of mind is still fragile.

"There is fear, worry and anxiety. It takes cajoling to get me out, anywhere. In fact, it took some cajoling to attend Ranbir and Alia’s wedding bash. More than being in the car, seeing so many people around the car threw me off my game. Now, the minute I sit in a car, I put on the seatbelt, even if I am sitting in the back seat." she shared.

Malaika also shared how the incident has given her trauma. Talking about her recovery phase, she added, "The only time I would shudder was when I’d be alone, reliving those moments. It was beyond scary. In those 15 days after the trauma, I didn’t feel safe sitting in a car."

Many car accident survivors deal with psychological ramifications that can last for weeks or months after the crash.

Emotional reactions to auto accidents often lead to an intense fear of driving. Just the thought of getting behind the wheel or into a car could trigger anxiety, blackouts, nightmares and distress. This can last for weeks, months or longer depending on the victim and the kind of accident.

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Reminders of the accident can trigger flashbacks and cause emotional distress. Such psychological symptoms can interrupt an individual’s life and create difficulty in going to work, attending school, or even getting out of bed in the morning. A research study published in the BMJ found that not only do one-third of children involved in traumatic accidents suffer mental trauma, but they experience those symptoms up to a year afterwards.

Victims experiencing high levels of anxiety are also likely to have issues sleeping and higher-than-normal fatigue. Sleep disorders can result from an inability to relax or frequent nightmares about the crash. It is advisable to consult a doctor for treatment if the problem persists for long. Treatment may include anxiety management, breathing and relaxation exercises, or medications to relieve anxiety and help you sleep better.

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Many people experience minimal or mild anxiety for months after a serious crash, but moderate and severe levels of anxiety can also be present for weeks or even months after an accident. As per research, females are particularly susceptible to persistent anxiety following a car crash. Victims may also experience mood swings and feelings of hopelessness.