Terrifying car accident

@Beckzzzzzzz

::Big Hug:: Slow down, take a deep breathe -- and pause. I'm sorry to hear about your accident and it is quite understandable the turmoil you are in. You are in shock and still processing what happened -- each of us processes differently and there is no time limit on this, so please be kind to yourself.

You've been through a very traumatic event - you're brain is probably in the replay mode as my family calls it. The sounds, smells, and sights keep playing out before you and that keeps you at a heightened since of vigilance (alertness). Coping with this is different for each person - for some breaking down the events helps to realize what really went on. For some it's timelining, for some it's just writing it out journal style, for some it's making art of the events, for some it's talking it through, while for others it's taking it out on boxing bags/pillows/outward exertion. The key is try to find an outlet that will let you process the emotions (as positively as possible).

I know you have a timeline (returning to work) but you need time to process. Mindfulness might be a helpful tool (https://www.7cups.com/home/mindfulness/) for you. Mindfulness helps us be aware of our feelings by not only honestly recognizing them but also looking to what may actually be lending itself to making us feel that way. Mindfulness is more than meditation -- meditation is a tool -- mindfulness helps break the clutter (imo) and get to the root of things and helps us deal with that emotion.

Maybe desensitizing exerices involving a vehicle would help. Just working your way closer - let the panic run its course - take a break and try again until you are able to just SIT in the car. Then move to someone starting the car. Then move to someone putting the car in gear. Then move to someone moving the car 1-3 foot and returning to its original position. Then move to a short trip. Then move to you sitting in the drivers seat. Then you starting the car. Then you moving the gears. You get the idea. The important part of this exercise I've found is to let the panic run its course (for me) - as I come through the panic - I also come through the situation. This may not work for you -- I only suggest it - I'm not a professional or anything, just survivor of situational panic.


When you feel like, there is a self-help guide here at 7Cups about Traumatic Experiences (https://www.7cups.com/traumatic-experience-help/) that you might wish to explore. It talks about different aspects of traumatic experiences, offers tips on coping, and more.

Until you are ready...

Is there someone who can help you get to work for a few days?
Have you talked your feeling over with your healthcare provider, friend or family?

I wish I could take this away for you but I can't -- but I can support you here and cheer you on.

Remember to breathe.

Remember to pause.

Remember to let your anxiety out, don't bottle it up.

Remember we're here for you.

@Beckzzzzzzz HI Beck, I'm really sorry to hear that you expericneced such a terrible accident, though I'm happy to find you survived. It's okay to take your time to get into a car, and you can talk to medical professionals what you're facing right now as well. I think it's super natural that you feel overwhelmed to get into a car after you experienced that, and if I was in your shoes, I guess I would react in the same way. If you're suffering from that traumatic experience, there are ways to cope with that, like Cognitive behaviour therapy or something like this. I think 7 cups is one of the best place for you to talk about that kind of stuff and thank you so much for coming. I wish you the very best. https://www.7cups.com/traumatic-experience-help/