adminDr Mazvita Machinga Mental Health
ACCIDENTS do happen every day in people’s lives, be it at work, at home or on the road. But many of these accidents don’t have to happen. Most of these can be preventable. Even people who strive for safety can suffer an accident that requires medical and mental health care. There are steps you can take to help protect yourself and your family from accident injuries, as you move through life. While there are many types of accidents, this week I will focus on the impact of road traffic accidents on mental health. Since 2009, there has been a noticeable increase of traffic flow in Zimbabwean roads.
While this has been a blessing, it has come with its own challenges too. I am observing careless driving especially on highly congested human traffic areas such as bus stops or shop areas. In such areas, I have noticed that some drivers drive aggressively, negligently and without due care or paying attention. It is important for all drivers to know that careless driving can cause others and yourself to suffer both physical and mental health issues.
On Tuesday, May 27, 2014, a report by the Parliament Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development was tabled and the report highlighted quite disturbing statistics regarding injuries and deaths that had claimed many lives (www.parlzim.gov.zw)
For instance, according to the report in 2012, a total of 30 911 road accidents were reported, 2 094 people killed, 14 965 injured. In 2013, the report said 37 619 road accidents were reported, 1 787 people were killed and 14 131 people were injured. While the injured people may have received some medical care of some sort, the question remains how about injury to one’s mental health, did the affected receive any mental health care.
The answer, as you might guess, may be not all them did. Can their mental health be impacted by the traumatic accidents? The answer is yes, especially if they are not allowed to process the traumatizing accident. The issue here is while most people are aware of the mental health implications of any traumatic experience most of us tends to associate an accident with physical injury only, paying no attention to mental or psychological damage.
Research studies suggest that at least one-third of all people involved in nonfatal accidents have post-traumatic stress, persistent anxiety, depression and phobias one year after the incident. This means after an accident trauma counseling need to be done, even if you are feeling better at that time. Processing experiences after the trauma is helpful to curb possible future struggles.
There is huge link between accidents and mental health status. People may suffer from issues such as acute stress response, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, panic attacks, anxiety, grief, substance and alcohol abuse if they encounter an accident and not also having mental health care provided.
Most accidents occur when a person is distracted, tired, stressed, overworking or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The best way to stave off accidents is to make healthy lifestyle choices and get help when one is overwhelmed. Rest is best.
A good night’s sleep does more than rest your muscles, bones and organs. It also rests your mind, making your senses sharper—and making you more aware of potential hazards. Break up tasks and activities to give your mind—a quick timeout.
Stress less and get proper stress management skills. When you are stressed or tired, you may be more likely to fall asleep while driving, lose your footing on the stairs or lose balance. Talk to your mental healthcare provider if you’re not able to find relief from life’s stressors and get help. Just say no to alcohol and drugs because this normally dulls your senses and blur your focus.
People under the influence can have misguided decision making and take unnecessary risks. To avoid more accidents, stay clear of drugs and alcohol consumption. If you suspect that you or a family member has an addiction problem help is there, speak with your medical doctor or call Dr Mazvita Machinga for information on substance recovery programmes.
The most important factor in recovering from the trauma of accident is recognizing that you are having a problem and getting help. Be alert and manage your stress levels in a healthy manner. Remember safety begins with you.
For more information on counselling, psychotherapy and mental health issues contact Dr Mazvita Machinga Ph. D a trained psychotherapist on 0771 754 519 or email [email protected]
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