Trauma After an Accident

If you are in danger right now: if someone is hurt, call an ambulance on 10177, or 112 from a mobile. If you are having thoughts of ending your life, call the Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0800 567 567, any time.

Maybe it was a taxi, a car on the highway, a fall at work or a machine that went wrong. The accident is over, but your body and mind still feel it. You might be jumpy, tearful, numb or angry, and wonder why you cannot just move on. This is common, and it helps to talk.

What is happening

An accident is a shock to the whole body. In the first days and weeks it is normal to have pictures of the accident pop into your head, bad dreams, a racing heart when you hear brakes, or trouble sleeping. Many people also feel guilt ("I should have seen it coming") or anger at the driver, the employer or themselves.

For most people these reactions slowly ease over a few weeks, especially with rest, support and a return to normal routines. For some, they stay strong or get worse. That is not weakness. It is a sign that the brain is still stuck in "danger mode" and needs some help to settle. Trauma counselling works well, and the earlier you get it, the easier it usually is.

There is also a practical side in South Africa. Injuries from road accidents may be covered by the Road Accident Fund (RAF), and injuries at work by the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA). Both have rules and time limits, so it helps to keep papers from the start.

Signs to notice

• You see the accident again in your mind, or dream about it.
• You avoid the road, the taxi rank, the site or anything that reminds you of it.
• You feel on edge, jump at noises or cannot relax.
• You feel numb, far away or not like yourself.
• You are drinking more, or using pills or other substances to sleep or cope.
• Pain from injuries is making it hard to sleep, work or look after your family.

30-second self-check

Answer yes or no. If you answer yes to the first question, stop here and get help now: call the Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0800 567 567 or the Cleared Mind Careline on 0800 212 146.

• Are you having thoughts of ending your life, or of not wanting to wake up?
• Do memories or dreams of the accident come back most days?
• Are you avoiding travel, work or places because of the accident?
• Is it more than a month since the accident and it is not getting easier?
• Are you using alcohol, pills or other substances to cope or sleep?
• Is it hard to do your work or care for your family right now?

0-1 yes: If your yes was the first question, get help now on 0800 567 567. Otherwise, what you feel is a normal reaction. Rest, talk to someone you trust and keep checking in with yourself.
2-3 yes: The accident is still weighing on you. A trauma counsellor can help your mind and body settle. Call the Cleared Mind Careline on 0800 212 146 to talk it through.
4 or more yes: Please get support now. Call the Cleared Mind Careline on 0800 212 146 today, and if you have any thoughts of ending your life, call the Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0800 567 567.

What you can do next

• Today: Tell one person you trust what happened and how you feel. Eat something, drink water and try to rest. If you were injured and have not seen a doctor, go to a clinic or hospital.
• This week: Start a folder with the case number (if police came), accident report, medical records, photos, receipts and names of witnesses. If it happened at work, make sure your employer has reported it.
• This month: Slowly get back to small parts of your routine. If you are still struggling after about a month, book trauma counselling.
• Travel with someone you trust at first, and take short trips before long ones.
• Grounding helps when a memory hits: name five things you can see, feel your feet on the floor, breathe out slowly.
• Be careful with alcohol. It numbs for a night, but makes sleep, mood and fear worse over time.

Your tool

Social Support Needs Check - a few quick questions about what support you have and what is missing, so you get a short list of people and services to reach out to.

When to get professional help

Get help if the reactions are strong, last more than a few weeks, or stop you from working, driving or caring for others. Get help at once if you have thoughts of ending your life or are drinking or using to cope.
Who can help: psychologist, counsellor, doctor, social worker, attorney (for RAF or injury claims), emergency services

Getting help in South Africa

• Cleared Mind 24-hour Careline (0800 212 146): talk to a counsellor any time and book trauma counselling through your employer's programme.
• SADAG Mental Health Line (011 234 4837, 08:00-20:00): support and referrals for trauma and anxiety.
• Road Accident Fund (raf.co.za): you can claim directly. You do not have to sign with the first lawyer who approaches you in hospital. Check any attorney is admitted and ask about fees in writing first.
• Compensation Fund (COIDA, labour.gov.za): for injuries at work. Your employer must report the injury.
• Public hospitals and clinics: for injuries and referral to a psychologist or social worker.