What is a good way to get over PTSD from a car wreck?
11 Answers
Last Updated: 02/14/2017 at 3:55pm
Moderated by
Danielle Johnson, MSED, Community mental Health Counseling, LMHC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Sometime situations and feelings can be so strong that we struggle to function. You are not alone! My practice is flexible and open-minded and tailored to your personal needs.
Top Rated Answers
I'd be working with support people that have safe tools and are trained with PTSD the impact can effect everyone differently
Try to get back in the car or drive by where the incident happenned its not easy but its the only way to get over the fear of driving again
Anonymous
November 25th, 2014 8:20pm
Seeing a psychologist would be the best way to go. However, you can come up with many ways to cope with anxiety and symptoms that you may experience if you don't have the means to see a psychologist. A lot of this is grounding techniques, breathing techniques, and different things like that depending on what you experience with PTSD. Slowly exposing yourself to riding in a car may also help, but building up to being able to ride would be ideal rather than forcing yourself to sit in a car right away.
Anonymous
November 25th, 2014 11:25pm
Talking about it with other people like getting support from family and friends is important. It would help ease the shock and help one concentrate. Additional support from a doctor or therapist is also helpful because they both can get over the PTSD together.
Talk, talk, talk. Always talk about your feelings, and how you feel about the car wreck - do you blame yourself? Could you have done something differently - talking about it allows others to help re-assure you that you are not alone!
Make sure you give yourself enough time to work through your feelings. It's ok if it takes you a long time - don't try to rush yourself or tell yourself how you should or shouldn't be feeling. If a feeling comes up that you'd rather not be feeling try to tell yourself that even though you're feeling that way you still love, forgive, and accept yourself.
I hate to say this but there isn't really a way. I was in a horrible car accident about 2 years ago and it still haunts me to this day. I can't trust anyone else driving, can't sleep in the car, and everytime I'm at a red light or a stop sign with a car coming up behind me I freak out. You can take medications or talk to a therapist or try to find a coping skill that can help. Mine is I do A LOT of deep breathing. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't... I hope this helped a little bit.
If you have been showing mild symptoms, this is a normal human reaction to a traumatic event. Keep a close eye on whether your symptoms are getting worse or exceeding four weeks. If your symptoms do get worse or last longer than four weeks, I would recommend visiting your Doctor and getting a referral to a Psychologist/Psychiatrist which could then lead to Psychotherapy.
Anonymous
November 14th, 2015 10:16pm
The traumatic experience becomes part of your life. Sorting out exactly what happened and sharing one’s experience with others who have had similar incident can make a great deal of difference to a person’s recovery. Putting the reactions and thoughts related to the trauma on paper should, however, be done with a professional specializing in PTSD. Writing a book, taking political action or helping other victims can also be beneficial to your recovery. Hope this will help.
Anonymous
October 31st, 2016 12:24am
If you have PTSD then it is best to talk to a professional as this diagnosis can come with some severe side effects. Professionals will be able to direct you towards the right therapy. Although another thing I would say is getting back in the car might help although without a professional it's not classed as exposure therapy there is merit to going back into the situation in order to see that the outcome will not be the same.
talk to someone who can get your loved ones involved in trying to help you get over things. It's gotta be hard around the people you love, but they are the ones who love you the most. Also, try to push your limits every day, but be safe, of course. And talk to someone, cuz it helps. Find a way to communicate your emotions, and maybe, if it helps, keep a log of your progress, with you, or with someone you trust if you are disabled in any way. Best of luck!
Related Questions: What is a good way to get over PTSD from a car wreck?
At what point does sleep deprivation become a problem?How much sleep should I get daily? Why do I wake up sweating?How do I stop over thinking at night?How can I put down my phone and go to sleep?What does it mean when your dreams feel so real?Why do I wake up every hour, on the hour?What could it mean if I am sleeping too much?Why can't I sleep at night?Does anyone have any tips to stay asleep and not wake up repeatedly once you are already sleeping?