Connecticut residents who are victims of dog bite attacks have many scars to heal from. While the physical scars are often talked about, today we will take a look at mental impacts too. Both physical and mental effects can last a long time.
Psychology Today examines the epidemic of dog bite attacks in the country. To a degree, the frequency of attacks is due to the large number of dogs. Stray dogs are not the only ones responsible for bite injuries, either. In fact, most bite attacks come from domesticated dogs that the victim is familiar with. This can be family dogs or the dog of a close friend or neighbor.
After an attack, many victims find themselves with scars that will not fade. The physical injuries can take a long time to recover from. Scarring can last a lifetime. In some cases, victims even have to go through surgery to restore mauled body parts. Due to nerve damage, other victims end up suffering from chronic pain and need medication.
This severe physical trauma can have a lasting mental impact. Many victims find themselves suffering from anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. Some develop a fear of dogs. Others develop agoraphobia, which is a fear of leaving the house. They are too afraid of the possibility of running into a dog if they leave.
Deeply affected individuals can find their entire lives uprooted after an attack. The road to recovery is not an easy one either. It is important to understand that a bite victim’s struggle is physical, mental, and long-lasting.
