Be Grounded Counselling
Why Do My Emotions Feel Unstable?
Understand the common symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and how counselling can support your recovery.
Beyond physical injuries, many people experience ongoing emotional difficulty after a car accident — replaying the accident in their mind, sleeping poorly, or feeling overly sensitive to their surroundings. These reactions may be signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
This page is for general reference only and is not a diagnostic tool. If you suspect you may have PTSD symptoms, please consult a professional counsellor or doctor for an assessment.
Common Symptoms of PTSD
Common Symptoms of PTSD
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Uncontrollable, intrusive memories of the accident
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Nightmares about the accident
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Sudden feelings of "being back there" when encountering similar situations
Avoidance
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Deliberately avoiding places, routes, or activities related to the accident
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Unwilling to talk or think about what happened
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Avoiding news or movies with car accident scenes
Changes in Mood and Thinking
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Persistent negative emotions like guilt, shame, or fear
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Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
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Feeling distant from people close to you
Hyperarousal
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Easily startled, restless
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Trouble sleeping, or feeling exhausted despite sleeping
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Trouble concentrating, quick to anger
When should I seek help?
If the symptoms above persist for more than a month after the accident and start affecting your daily life, work, or relationships, it's worth seeking professional support. Early intervention can help prevent symptoms from worsening and speed up recovery.
How Counselling Can Help
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Reprocessing Trauma Memories
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For example, through evidence-based methods like EMDR, which help the brain reintegrate traumatic memories and reduce their impact on daily life (see "EMDR Trauma Therapy")
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Building a Sense of Safety
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Your counsellor will create a safe, judgment-free space to help you process the trauma at your own pace
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Learning Coping Skills
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Including breathing techniques, emotion regulation, and relaxation exercises, to help you regain a sense of control over your life
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Gradually Facing What You Avoid
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For example, gradually reintroducing yourself to situations that trigger anxiety (like driving) — see "Driving Anxiety"
Common Questions
Q: Are my symptoms definitely PTSD?
A: Not necessarily. Many people have short-term stress reactions after an accident that naturally fade over time — this is a normal part of psychological adjustment. If symptoms persist beyond a month and affect your life, it's worth seeking a professional assessment.
Q: Can counselling costs be claimed through ICBC?
A: Yes. ICBC's Accident Benefits cover counselling services — see "Complete Guide to ICBC Counselling" for details.
Q: My accident happened a while ago and these symptoms are only appearing now — is it too late?
A: It's not too late. Trauma responses can be delayed. Starting to address it whenever you're ready is better than not addressing it at all — the sooner you seek support, the smoother recovery tends to be.
