PTSD from really bad accident on top of existing PTSD
I'll try to keep this as brief as possible. I got t boned by a semi at 80mph about a month and a half ago. I was fine, just a ton of glass in the hair. Car sure wasn't. They replaced almost everything. Only remaining parts are thr interior and passenger side doors. They even had to replace the fucking roof. I got my car back a week ago, that helped.......but I'm seiously having PTSD from it. I know it's PTSD cuz I have it from some other events I'd rather not discuss. Thanks in advance for any advice, slight religious and spiritual undertones in advice ok, just don't overdue it thanks.
Re: PTSD from really bad accident on top of existing PTSD
Well, yea I can relate, I've totaled a couple cars (1 my fault & the other not) so it's kinda nerve wracking when you 'go bk out there' especially in TODAY'S fucked up traffic/drivers.
Personally, I read a book of scripture quotes, not just for that but for everything. I think time will be a big healer too.
I mean shit, I get scared in normal traffic sometimes! This helps me: picture a white light around your car & you, & say, "I am protected & safe" or whatever makes most sense to you. You can use this white light for other stuff too.
Good luck, hope this helps
Re: PTSD from really bad accident on top of existing PTSD
I was in a similar accident as a child, and I could hardly even get in a car (as a passenger) for months afterwards.
We're so numb to seeing car crashes on t.v. and in movies...but when it actually happens, it feels just as traumatic as it should feel. There's nothing natural about driving a car in the first place (to our mammalian, primitive brains), much less about car crashes. So recovery is understandably rough.
:hug:
Re: PTSD from really bad accident on top of existing PTSD
Thanks. I was so debating deleting this cuz it's so minor, glad I didn't.
Re: PTSD from really bad accident on top of existing PTSD
Quote:
Originally Posted by
SweetJulia2
Thanks. I was so debating deleting this cuz it's so minor, glad I didn't.
Car crashes are seriously traumatic. Just as traumatic as any other near-death experience. I mean, that's what it was: a near-death experience. When we're driving around running errands, we forget that we're being flung through space at 30-60 mph in giant, 2-ton hunks of metal. We have desensitized ourselves to a very natural fear of this highly unnatural situation. It's more natural to fear cars and driving than to not fear cars!
I'm not trying to freak you out. I'm trying to empathize with you and normalize your trauma. I'm so sorry this happened to you. When you're ready to start working through all of this in a safe place, I'd encourage you to 'lean into' the feelings you have of fear and trauma rather than shoving them down. But if you don't have the luxury of being able to process those emotions (yet), then do what you gotta do.
Re: PTSD from really bad accident on top of existing PTSD
To keep ourselves sane, we humans move through the world pretending that we have control over our circumstances. Whenever that facade of control is lifted, torn, or obliterated, our worlds are flipped upside-down. We realize how little control we actually have, which throws everything into question. It goes beyond the crash - it's a worldview issue!
Re: PTSD from really bad accident on top of existing PTSD
Can you take public transit until you have a chance to recover from the traumas?
Re: PTSD from really bad accident on top of existing PTSD
Quote:
Originally Posted by
SnuffleUffleGrass
Can you take public transit until you have a chance to recover from the traumas?
Well I'm able to drive I just go very carefully, but that's a good idea. Also, I was off my anxiety meds when it happened and didnt think to get a refill til a few days ago-that's actually been a big help.
Re: PTSD from really bad accident on top of existing PTSD
I couldn't read this thread because reading about other people ptsd is a trigger for my own ptsd but I wanted to pop in and share a book that has helped me. Its called Waking the Tiger and its full of concrete things you can do at home to cope and heal.
Re: PTSD from really bad accident on top of existing PTSD
How're you doin' Julia? Things any better? :)
Re: PTSD from really bad accident on top of existing PTSD
Aww thanks-much better now:)