A dog attack is a violent encounter that can be extremely frightening and traumatic. Cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common after dog attacks. Coping with and healing from dog-attack PTSD may take professional help, as well as time and patience. Early detection and intervention can help prevent long-term effects. Make sure to speak with an experienced dog bite attorney in Houston for legal guidance.
What Is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychological condition that is caused by undergoing significant emotional trauma, such as living through or witnessing a traumatic event. After a dog attack, PTSD symptoms can arise and linger for weeks or months. These symptoms can dramatically affect a victim’s life, and may include:
- Phobia of dogs
- Flashbacks
- Intrusive thoughts
- Chronic anxiety or fear
- Panic attacks
- Nightmares
- Avoidance behaviors
- Depression
- Emotional separation
- Feelings of helplessness
- Irritability
- Physical stress reactions
- Constant fatigue
These symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the individual. Children are especially vulnerable to post-traumatic stress symptoms and new fears or severe anxiety surrounding dogs.
Tips for Coping With Dog-Attack PTSD
Cases of PTSD from dog attacks typically do not go away on their own. It is important to identify the signs of this psychological condition and receive appropriate treatment as soon as possible to prevent potential long-term symptoms. Healing starts with seeking help from a mental health professional.
Therapy and Counseling
Professional therapy can be highly effective in managing PTSD symptoms. Search for a therapist who specializes in PTSD treatment, such as one who offers Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy. Speaking with a professional psychiatrist can result in a PTSD diagnosis and important treatments and support. You should also consider joining a support group.
Medication Options
For some individuals, prescription medications can be helpful in coping with severe cases of dog-attack PTSD. Common recommendations are anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants (SSRIs). These can help treat the symptoms caused by PTSD, allowing you greater peace of mind as you heal.
Self-Care
Prioritizing self-care is important among individuals suffering from PTSD after a dog attack. Create a daily routine that puts your mental health first and focuses on relaxation. Implement self-care activities into your daily life, such as meditation, yoga, journaling, exercise, good nutrition and ample sleep. Use fun and productive hobbies to manage PTSD symptoms and build up your resilience to triggers.
Take Legal Action for the Dog Attack
Overcoming the trauma of a dog attack will take time. There is no wrong or right way to cope with this traumatic situation. One thing that can help, however, is achieving justice against the owner of the dog that attacked you. Filing a dog bite injury claim in Texas can hold the owner accountable, provide the financial compensation you need to pay for medical care and PTSD treatments, and protect others from negligent dog ownership in the future.
An experienced dog bite injury attorney can help you achieve a life-changing settlement for life-changing injuries and emotional trauma. Your lawyer can provide support during this difficult time, such as by finding you the right doctors and coordinating with them to prove your injuries and losses on a legal level. A lawyer will work hard to make sure you have everything you need to recover from the attack physically, mentally, emotionally and financially. Contact us today.