How Trucking Injuries Affect Drivers’ Mental Health
After a trucking accident, it is common for many victims to focus on treating their visible wounds, neglecting the treatment of any psychological injuries.
Studies have shown that truckers are highly likely to develop physical and mental health disorders and problems. These mental health conditions have far-reaching consequences and could negatively affect the victims’ personal and professional lives.
The key to a complete recovery after a trucking accident is to pay attention to your physical and mental health and treat injuries in both areas accordingly. While you see a physician, also consider getting help from a qualified mental health professional simultaneously. The resources provided in this article can help you get started.
Keep reading to learn more about mental health conditions associated with trucking and how experienced attorneys for injured truckers can assist.
Common Mental Health Conditions in the Trucking Industry
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, truck drivers have a high rate of injury and illness compared to other occupations.
Research also shows that individuals with a history of driving accidents are likelier to develop mental disorders than their counterparts without such a history, indicating a high level of poor mental health and related challenges among truckers.
Some of the common mental health issues that may plague truck drivers as a result of their work-related injuries include the following:
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a common response to traumatic events in an individual’s life, and professional truck drivers are no exception. According to the American Psychiatric Association, some of the symptoms of PTSD include distorted thoughts about the traumatic incident, irrational or reckless behavior, or frequent flashbacks of the incident.
These PTSD symptoms may affect your ability to continue to work as a truck driver even if you have achieved a full physical recovery from the injury-inducing accident. It could also strain your personal relationships. So if you experience any of these symptoms or don’t feel okay, you may consider getting help from a professional as soon as possible.
Sleep Disorders
Truck drivers are notoriously prone to sleep disorders such as sleep apnea due to the nature of the job. The emotional distress after a traumatic trucking injury could further aggravate any preexisting sleep condition, making it difficult for the victim to function properly.
Truck driving often involves long hours and long-distance travel, which means that every truck driver should have their wits about them to drive safely. Sleep disorders can prevent you from getting the rest you need which could impair your cognitive abilities and affect your driving.
If you drive without enough rest, you’d be putting yourself and other road users at risk. Therefore it is crucial to get help if you’ve been having trouble sleeping since your trucking accident.
Alcohol or Substance Abuse
Sometimes when a person’s injuries affect their bodily functions or cause chronic pain, they may turn to alcohol or controlled substances as a coping mechanism. While drug or alcohol abuse might offer short-term relief, the long-term effects are damaging.
Drug or alcohol abuse can further complicate your physical health conditions and overall welfare. If you’re struggling after an injury, you can get help for any physical and mental health problems from qualified professionals. They can help you heal and manage your new circumstances positively.
Clinical Depression
Clinical depression is a serious mental health issue that may occur after a traumatic event such as a road accident. It is characterized by several symptoms, including
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Significant changes in appetite
- Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
- Fatigue
- Difficulty in thinking
- Feeling sad or moody for extended periods
Clinical depression can affect your life and relationships with others. But it is treatable once a medical professional diagnoses it. Getting help is vital to help you get your life back on track quickly.
Mental Health Resources for Truck Drivers
Sadly mental health checks after a physical injury or accident are usually not provided routinely in hospitals. In most cases, you need to advocate for yourself before getting the required treatment. The resources/organizations provided below can help you get started with your mental health treatment if you’re unsure where to begin.
Online Psychiatric Service Providers
One of the major reasons truck drivers don’t get the mental health help they need is due to their irregular work shifts and inaccessibility to physical locations where they can get help.
Fortunately, many online mental health services now provide remote resources and counseling at affordable costs. Platforms like BetterHelp, Cerebral, and Talkspace can match you with licensed professionals who can help you work through your mental health problems.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
This organization has a dedicated hotline (988) to cater to those struggling with mental health issues and suicidal tendencies across the US. The service is free and available 24/7. Whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed and need someone to talk to immediately, all you need to do is dial the number.
National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI)
By running support groups nationwide, NAMI provides resources and support for people diagnosed with mental health illnesses so they don’t feel alone. They also have a helpline which you can call to get personalized information and support systems.
Trucker-Pet Adoption Programs
Interacting with pets has been scientifically proven to help improve mental health. As a result, pet companies and dog shelters have developed adoption programs for truckers to help reduce the loneliness and depression that comes with the job. Consider this option if you’re struggling with loneliness and other related issues.
If you’re struggling with mental health issues while on the road or after an injury, it is important that you speak up so that you can get the support you need.
How Can an Attorney Help?
Trucking is dangerous, and the risk of physical and mental injuries is high. While it is essential to understand how to prevent trucking injuries, some injuries are unavoidable due to the nature of the job. Your employer has an obligation to compensate you for such injuries and ensure that you receive payment for your lost wages while you’re unable to work.
But the compensation process could be complicated, especially when unscrupulous employers and insurance companies are involved. They may want to invalidate your claim or pay you less than you deserve. But do not succumb to any pressure from them. Instead, consider contacting a trucking accident lawyer who can fight for you and help you get what you deserve.
If you have concerns about the compensation process for injured truckers, we at Hurt Trucker Attorneys can help.
We understand the importance of trucking companies and truck drivers. Injured truckers deserve the utmost respect and support, and we offer legal protection to those struggling with compensation for their injuries.
We offer a free initial consultation to injured truck drivers to discuss their rights. We also work with other professionals to provide assessments and ratings for truckers who have received unfair injury ratings.
Contact us to speak with one of our skilled attorneys, and let us partner with you as you fight for your rights!
