Overview of Psychological Trauma of Survivors of Water Park Accidents
Water parks are among the most popular entertainment and even tourist destinations across the United States. Water parks provide hours and hours of intense entertainment for patrons from all walks of life and from a wide spectrum of ages each year. With that said, there are unfortunate incidents at water parks that result in accidents and injuries caused by the owners, operators, and employees of these destinations. Included on the list of injuries that can and do arise is the psychological trauma of water park accident survivors.
The different types of water park accident survivor psychological trauma include:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD
- Survivor’s Guilt
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Social Withdrawal
- Sleep Issues
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a commonplace type of psychological trauma among water park accident survivors. The suddenness and severity of the accident can trigger intense fear, helplessness, and horror that ultimately results in PTSD. Symptoms of PTSD arising from a water park accident can include:
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Avoidance
- Hyper-arousal
Sadly, these symptoms associated with PTSD can persist for months or years following a water park accident. PTSD can significantly impact a survivor's quality of life. It is important for survivors to seek professional mental health assistance if they are experiencing symptoms of PTSD. It is also important to consult a seasoned, skilled water park accident lawyer as well.
Survivor’s Guilt
In addition to PTSD, water park accident survivors may experience survivor's guilt. If others are injured or killed in the accident, family members and friends may feel guilty for surviving themselves. This can lead to a sense of isolation and shame. Survivors may also feel like they do not deserve to feel better or get better. Survivor's guilt can be especially difficult to manage because it can feel like a constant reminder of the trauma they experienced.
Depression
Depression is another common psychological response for victims of water park accidents. The psychological trauma of the accident can lead to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and helplessness. These feelings can be overwhelming and interfere with daily life. Survivors may struggle to engage in activities they once enjoyed or have difficulty finding joy in their daily experiences.
Anxiety
Anxiety represents yet another common psychological response to water park accidents for victims of these types of incidents. Survivors may have anxiety about returning to the water park, riding similar rides, or even being in crowds. Anxiety can be especially difficult to manage because it can be triggered by seemingly innocuous events or situations.
Social Withdrawal
Survivors may experience social withdrawal. They may feel like they no longer fit in with their peers, friends, family, or other colleagues. Survivors of water park accidents ultimately may feel like they are a burden to others. They may feel their experiences are too difficult to talk about. These responses may result in these individuals withdrawing from even people who historically have been very close to them.
Sleep Issues
Survivors of water park accidents may experience significant issues associated with sleep. Nightmares, flashbacks, and anxiety can all interfere with their sleep patterns. This can lead to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Sleep disturbance can also exacerbate other psychological trauma including PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Legal Support and Assistance Following a Water Park Accident
The psychological trauma of water park accidents can have far-reaching effects on survivors. It's important to recognize and address the emotional impact of these accidents in order to promote healing and recovery. Survivors should seek professional help if they are experiencing symptoms of PTSD, depression, or anxiety, and should prioritize self-care and support from loved ones. With time and support, survivors can learn to manage their symptoms and reclaim their lives.
As mentioned previously, professional help can and very well may need to come in the form of a mental health therapist or counselor but a skilled water park accident attorney as well. You can connect with a dedicated, compassionate attorney from The Doan Law Firm any time of the day or night by calling our nationwide firm at (800) 349-0000.
There is never a charge for an initial consultation with a Doan Law Firm lawyer. In addition, The Doan Law Firm makes an attorney fee guarantee to you. Our firm will never charge an attorney fee in your case unless we win for you.
