A bicycle crash can happen in a split second, but the injuries – both mental and physical – can be lasting. Psychological effects can be especially troublesome for many cyclists. It’s important to know that help exists, and sometimes it comes in the form of a furry four-legged friend.
Service animals can be a good option for those who experience post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can manifest in the days, weeks, or months following a bicycle crash. While many people associate PTSD with veterans or victims of violent or sexual assaults, the truth is that PTSD can occur in lots of instances, even bicycle crashes.
One study reported that nearly 40% of people in motor vehicle accidents suffer from PTSD symptoms. Although there doesn’t seem to be any bicycle-specific data compiled in large, published studies, it’s logical to assume many cyclists face similar experiences after a traumatic event.
Here’s what you need to know about PTSD and how service animals can be a part of the healing process.
What is PTSD?
The simplest definition for PTSD is that it’s a psychological condition that occurs after a traumatic event. Symptoms can include intrusive thoughts related to the traumatic event, avoidance, changes in mood or cognition, and changes in reactivity, such as being more easily startled or experiencing paranoia.
PTSD can manifest differently in each person. The American Psychiatric Association says that many people exposed to a traumatic event may experience symptoms that align with PTSD, but in order to get a PTSD diagnosis, symptoms “must last for more than a month and must cause significant distress or problems in the individual’s daily functioning.”
“Many individuals develop symptoms within three months of the trauma, but symptoms may appear later and often persist for months and sometimes years,” the organization says. “PTSD often occurs with other related conditions, such as depression, substance use, memory problems, and other physical and mental health problems.”
PTSD symptoms to watch for include:
- Depression
- Nightmares
- Flashbacks to the event
- Increased anxiety
- Being easily startled
- Avoiding certain places or people
- Losing interest in activities
- Feeling detached from reality
- Feelings of guilt, shame, or fear
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, or stomach issues
If you think you may be experiencing PTSD following a bike crash, seeking help is crucial. A professional can guide you through treatment options and find the right resources to alleviate symptoms that can be debilitating to daily life.
PTSD treatments and service animals
No two bicycle accidents are exactly the same, and similarly, no two PTSD cases are the same. Treatment will vary from person to person based on their symptoms and severity, and it may require a combination of clinically-backed treatments and others that have less research behind them.
For some, cognitive behavioral therapy is highly effective. For others, exposure therapy may help. Medications and even some psychedelics are being used to treat people who experience PTSD. While some of these treatments have loads of scientific evidence, others (like psychedelics) are only just starting to make waves.
Service animals, especially dogs, have long been part of the PTSD treatment conversation. A recent study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that military members experiencing PTSD symptoms who added a service dog to their usual care reduced the severity of PTSD symptoms and feelings of anxiety and depression. The participants also reported enhanced quality of life and psychosocial functioning.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs also counts dogs as a potentially helpful resource for its service members who experience PTSD symptoms. The department says dogs can help with:
- Bringing out feelings of love.
- Being good companions.
- Taking orders well when trained.
- Reducing stress.
- Encouraging a person to get out of the house.
Can service dogs also be helpful for cyclists? It certainly depends on your symptoms, but possibly! For example, if after your bicycle crash you become more withdrawn and tend to spend more time indoors and away from people, a dog may help you become more social and less lonely. It’s worth having a conversation with a mental health professional about the possibility of how a service animal could help you, especially knowing how studies, like the one funded by the NIH, seem to reinforce their contribution to healing.
We also know that dogs and other pets can be helpful for other aspects of mental and physical health, which are often more connected than we think. In a 2023 American Psychiatric Association survey 69% of respondents said a pet helps reduce their stress and anxiety, provides unconditional love and support, and offers companionship.
Research has also found that 60% of dog owners meet the recommended weekly amount of exercise.
Personal injury and service animals
There are undoubtedly a lot of questions that come along with getting a service animal after a bike crash, like whether it will impact a personal injury case, who pays for the service animal if the vehicle driver is at fault for the crash, and what role insurance plays.
These are questions that attorneys at Bay Area Bike Law can help you navigate. Our trained staff are dedicated to helping cyclists who have been involved in a crash, and we will always do what’s in your best interest and work to maximize your settlement.
We’re passionate about the Bay Area cycling community and understand the emotional toll a bicycle accident can have. Addressing those feelings and symptoms through therapy, medication, or even a service animal are important.
Call (415) 466-8717 today for a free consultation.