The effects of a bicycle crash can be long lasting. Along with the physical scars, there might also be mental ones, too. Researchers even believe that the psychological effects of a crash may extend the period of recovery for physical wounds.
Cyclists most commonly report symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a crash. For some, there’s significant stress about returning to the road. Cyclists also often site having ‘flashbacks’ to the accident. PTSD can have a significant impact on a cyclist’s life on the bike, but also on normal daily activities outside of riding, including work and family life.
Symptoms of PTSD can 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
Working with a therapist or mental health professional can help alleviate these mental side effects after an accident and make it less stressful to return to cycling. However, finding the right fit can sometimes be a burden.
“It’s such an intimate experience. It’s unlike finding any other doctor,” Theresa Nguyen, chief research officer at Mental Health America, tells NPR. Finding the right fit for a therapist can help build trust, elevate confidence, and ultimately increase the likelihood that the therapeutic benefits work.
Nguyen adds that the recovery process may be lengthy, but matching with the right professional is a crucial part of the journey.
“You shouldn’t assume [therapy]’s going to be magical,” she says. “It’s going to take time to heal. And that includes the work we have to put in to find our healer.”
Here are some ways you can ensure you’re finding the right therapist after experiencing a bicycle crash.
Find a licensed professional
For those who have never sought out mental health care, it can be a daunting process, especially when there is a shortage of professionals to begin with. To start, make sure the potential therapists you have in mind are licensed professionals. This ensures that they are properly trained.
You may be able to do a search through your health insurance to learn more about their qualifications and whether they are within your coverage’s network. For many, it can be difficult to find a therapist in their health insurance network. If you are able to cover the upfront costs and you have a strong legal case, you will be able to recover your out-of-pocket costs for therapy when your case settles or goes to verdict.
Depending on your needs following a bicycle crash, you may need a therapist with specific training or experience. Trauma therapists or those who focus on PTSD may have doctoral degrees or certifications that signify their specialty. Professionals may be certified clinical trauma professionals, which is recognized with a “CCTP” in their title, and have experience in evidence-based interventions that address the complexities of trauma recovery.
The American Psychological Association suggests using its Psychologist Locator website and the National Register, which lists thousands of licensed professionals. The California Psychological Association is another helpful resource that can lead you to the right fit.
Ask questions
Many therapists and psychologists will offer a short introductory session where you can investigate further if you want to pursue their services. This is a good time to get to know them and ask questions that you find important to your recovery process.
Come ready with a list of questions. These may include:
- What is your experience in this field? What training do you have?
- Are there specific approaches that you offer that may be beneficial for me?
- Do you have any specific philosophies when it comes to treatment?
- What will our sessions look like?
- How will we assess progress?
- When do you believe I should start seeing improvements?
- What is the process like if I don’t start to feel better?
These are not often easy questions to ask and it can be uncomfortable to ask them, but if you are with the right person it will help you feel comfortable and confident. Remember that this is your time to learn the most you can about their approach to therapy. If the fit feels off, it’s OK to pursue a different professional.
Discuss your goals
Mental health goals following a bicycle crash are different for everybody and can depend on the symptoms the person experiences. Do you want to feel less anxiety? Are you having nightmares about the accident? Do you want to be able to return to the route where the crash occurred without fear? Therapists may be able to work with you toward these goals, so it’s important to know what you want to achieve and if it’s possible with their approach and specialty.
Being as specific as you can can help the therapist determine if their skillset is right for you.
Give it a few sessions
It can take time to determine if the fit between you and a therapist is right, but you might not get this from the initial meeting or first session. Getting to know you, your needs, and making an effective treatment plan can take time.
Plan to complete between three and five sessions before you know whether the fit is right. If it’s not, inform your therapist. This can feel awkward, but they also want the best outcome for you and don’t take these decisions personally.
Finally, don’t let this deter you from seeking therapy. Even though this is health care, it’s much different from the care you receive when you have a broken bone or internal injury. But it will pay off in the long term and help achieve the most effective outcome for you.