How to spot depression and hopelessness after a car crash
A trauma psychologist and a primary care doctor on noticing the signs and getting help
Feeling sad after a serious crash can make sense. You may have lost your health, income, routines or someone you love. Depression is more than one bad afternoon. [1, 2]
It can mean low mood or loss of interest that won’t lift, along with hopelessness. Sleep, appetite and concentration can change. Daily life can become hard to manage. You don’t need to decide if it’s “just stress” before reaching out for help. [1, 2]
Look at the pattern and what it costs you
Think about what has changed over the past two weeks. Are you pulling away from people or unable to enjoy anything? Have you stopped taking care of basic needs? Are you missing treatment because getting started feels impossible? Do you feel like a burden? Jot down a few examples without worrying about a perfect symptom diary. [1, 2]
A health professional can ask about your mood, trauma symptoms, pain, sleep and medicines. They can also look for medical problems that might be adding to it. After an injury, these problems can overlap. [1, 2]
Don’t wait for a crisis if the pattern lasts or gets worse. Reach out to a primary care doctor or a mental health professional. You can say, “Since the crash, I feel hopeless most days. I’m struggling to get through the day. I need to be evaluated.” Treatment may include talk therapy, medicine or both, picked to fit your situation and what you prefer. [1]
At the visit, expect questions about when symptoms started, how often they happen and what you can’t do anymore. The doctor may also check for physical conditions and medicines that can affect mood. A diagnosis is a tool to help choose care. It is no judgment of your strength or of how much your injuries matter. [1]
Let one person know what you're carrying
Pick one person who can listen without arguing with how you feel. Ask for a specific kind of help. They could sit with you while you make an appointment or check in with you tomorrow. Support from others helps, though it can’t take the place of professional care when symptoms are severe or don’t let up. If you don’t have a safe person to ask, tell a health professional you need help finding one. [2, 3]
Thoughts of self harm need help now
Get help right away for thoughts about dying, making a plan or saying goodbye. The same is true for feeling trapped and unable to stay safe. In the United States, call or text 988 to reach confidential crisis support. You can also use the 988 online chat. Call 911 if a life is in danger right now. [3, 4]
If someone tells you they plan to kill themselves, stay with them if it’s safe. Call for help and don’t promise to keep it a secret. [3, 4]
If these thoughts come up, ask a doctor or therapist to help you build a safety plan. The plan lists warning signs, people and services to contact, and steps to make your surroundings safer. It should be made together with the person. It should never be pushed on someone in place of treatment. [4]
Make that first appointment easier
- Which symptoms started after the crash, and which were there before?
- What activities or relationships are hit hardest now?
- What treatment can start soon, and when will we check whether it’s working?
Bring your medicine list. Be honest about alcohol or other substances. Tell the doctor if pain or concussion symptoms make it hard to get to therapy or follow a plan. Good care should account for your whole situation. [1, 2]
Before the visit ends, agree on a date for your next contact with the team. Find out how to reach them if you get worse. Ask what early improvement might look like and when treatment should be reviewed. If getting a ride or paying for care is the problem, tell the office. A plan you can’t reach won’t help you. [1]
Start with one sentence about your mood
Sources and further reading
- 1NIMH depression
- 2NIMH coping with traumatic events
- 3NIMH suicide warning signs
- 4NIMH suicide questions and safety planning
This general education for U.S. readers comes from psychology and primary care. It can’t diagnose depression. In the United States, call or text 988 for crisis support. Call 911 if a life is in danger right now.
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