Even the bravest members of our communities, such as firemen, policemen, and other first responders, can sustain emotional trauma. A victim of negligence should feel comfortable seeking professional help for dealing with the negative impact on their mental health caused by their ordeal.
When Trauma Occurs
Aside from any physical injuries, being the victim of negligence can result in mental trauma. In order to combat any stigma that might cause a sufferer to feel too ashamed to get help, professionals now call for emotional trauma to be referred to as what it is: an injury. Just because the injury is not visible on the body does not mean it is not real and in need of attention.
Symptoms of trauma include shock, hopelessness, and guilt. In the case of negligence, these troubling feelings are compounded by the fact that someone you trusted did not give you the level of care you deserve, and you were injured as a result. When this happens, it is important to recognize that your emotional trauma is an injury in itself, and the appropriate response is to seek care.
Mental Health Care Providers
Mental health specialists are highly-trained and compassionate people. They help patients to work through their feelings so that a healthy mindset can be regained after a traumatic experience. Despite what a portion of uninformed public opinion maintains, threats to mental well-being are just as real and deserving of treatment as physical wounds.
If you have been the victim of negligence, the emotional and physical harm you suffer can make it difficult to decide how to proceed. These wounds can cost you money in lost work opportunities and medical bills. As such, it is an ideal time to get help from people who have experience. An injury attorney can help you navigate the process by which you can get the compensation you deserve to help defray the expenses incurred by your injury. Similarly, a mental health specialist can give you guidance as you attempt to cope with the emotional blowback of a traumatic event.
Heroes in all walks of life suffer traumas to their mental stability. There is no shame in that. Many of these same heroes have the good sense to seek treatment for their issues, so they can get back to serving the community to the best of their abilities. If you have suffered as a result of negligence, be sure to reach out for the professional help that you need and deserve.
Author Bio: Emma Sturgis is a freelance writer based out of Boston, MA. She writes most often on health and education. When not writing, she enjoys reading and watching film noir. Say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2
