Others stop talking or walking down the street after being subjected to assault. Others seek the aid of a mind-altering substance to repress the memories of major events, like wars. Keep in mind, the aftermath of a traumatic event isn`t just mental or physical, but it can be legal and financial, too. Unfortunately, only a few people know how to carry themselves through trauma while managing their legal affairs and building a case that grants them the compensation they deserve. This article covers the healthy ways -- physical, mental, and legal -- of dealing with traumatic events.
See a Doctor
If you`ve just been through a physically traumatizing event, the first thing you`ll need to do is go to a doctor. Even if you have no visible wounds, it is always recommended that you see a doctor for a general check-up because some injuries, like internal bleeding, can show no noticeable symptoms for hours after they`ve occurred.
Don`t forget that, with adrenaline in your bloodstream, you`re more likely not to feel your pain until some time has passed. A medical check-up will help you get ahead of any injury, allowing the doctors to treat it as early as possible to prevent any complications, thus ensuring your safety. Not to mention, to the court and your insurance company, seeking medical attention will look good on paper, reconfirming the fact that you truly have sustained injuries due to a traumatic event.
If you`re asking for compensation, this will come in handy as many company lawyers target the absence of an immediate medical report when attempting to weaken your case and take away your compensation.
Hire a Lawyer
As with getting your medical check-up, do it as soon as possible. The closer you are to the date of the accident, the fresher the incident is in your mind, and the more evidence there is for your lawyer to build a strong case. Needless to say, following trauma, no one has half a mind to think about money, but it is necessary, especially if you`ve sustained a lot of physical and mental damages.
They will cost you a lot in medical bills and therapy sessions. Not to mention, if the accident wasn`t at all your fault, and you can read more about how that looks, you deserve to see a verdict and get compensation. After all, you shouldn`t carry the weight of someone else`s mistakes and their recklessness.
When hiring a lawyer, take advantage of their free case review. You and your lawyer must be a good fit, so consider your first meeting an interview to determine whether or not you trust them/their abilities.
Go to Therapy
Our bodies and minds are fine-tuned machines created for one purpose, survival. When you go through trauma, the mind leaps to action, protecting you and itself from the trauma it`s been through using defense mechanisms. These mechanisms most commonly include repression (muting uncomfortable emotions or the memory itself), denial (avoiding/blocking the memories and the emotions altogether), and compartmentalization (putting your event in a `compartment` that you push aside to protect other parts of your life).
Unfortunately, these defense mechanisms are more oriented towards survival, but not happiness. Painful feelings don`t go away when you push them away. The only way is through acceptance. When the mind employs these mechanisms, it does so on the assumption that you won`t be able to deal with your feelings. It`s incredibly useful when we`re children, but incredibly harmful as we grow up. When you`ve been subjected to trauma, don`t hesitate to try out talk therapy.
A therapist will help you navigate your way through the difficult emotions, allowing you to lead a full life even after the event. The same rule for lawyers applies here. You need to be comfortable around your therapist, so take advantage of your first session and see how you feel about them after. If you`re not comfortable with the therapist, look some more. Your mental health is a priority.
These are the three ways through which you can navigate any sort of trauma. Doubtlessly, they are easier said than done, but you are strong enough. You`ve survived until now, haven`t you? What you should know is that, as you go through these three steps, you will feel overwhelmed, like you want to let it all crash and burn.
Remind yourself that it is just a feeling. Take a break, care for yourself, do something you like, be with someone you love. When you re-approach your problems, you`ll find that you`re doing so with renewed energy.
