A car accident can turn life upside down in a moment. Morgantown, West Virginia, injury attorney Jeffery Robinette of the Robinette Legal Group has published advice for people who struggle with depression after such a crash. His firm represents people hurt in auto collisions, work accidents and cases of medical malpractice.
The fallout from an accident can take many forms, from money trouble and lasting injury to the death of a friend or relative. For most people these problems ease with time. Some, however, slide into depression that does not lift. Robinette treats that depression as a condition that needs care, just like a physical injury.
His first tip is to let others help. Trusted friends and family can notice warning signs and tell when it is time to see a doctor. Depression should be seen as an illness, he writes, rather than a personal weakness.
Next comes facing reality. Life may never return to exactly how it was, and accepting that is part of healing. Talking it through with someone trusted, such as a pastor, a school counselor or another professional, can help.
Daily habits matter too. He suggests eating well, getting rest, keeping up personal hygiene, taking medicine on time and sticking to a routine. Simple activity, like a walk with a friend outside when the weather is nice, can push back against fatigue.
Robinette also recommends a hobby, whether an old interest or a new one such as cooking, gardening, crocheting or writing. Volunteering is another option, since helping others can bring a sense of purpose and remind people how much they matter.
Finally, attitude and patience count. Recovery takes time, and some days will be harder than others. That is why he advises making a plan, keeping to it and having activities ready for tough days, such as calling a friend or visiting an older neighbor. Recovery is possible, he writes, and brighter days can come.