Im a nervous wreck after a car crash?
My doctor gave me these lexapro pills to help but I had asked my doc for advice as now I can't drive as I take panic attacks. Thing is the advice on the medication leaflet states DONT drive while on them so really it isnt going to help my situation much .
Plus my family want me to sue the driver who ran a red light and caused it all. I am grateful I am ok , just sore back but they are insisting (think they are all angrry with the speeding driver).
Im stressed as it is and dont know how i can face it all again? I even panic in my friends car? A police woman gave me some advice, basically keep going out every day but its getting worse instead of better and i just want to stay in now.
Ps/ I had panic attacks a few years ago so its not new its just now expanded into driving ?
Comments
I suggest you make an appointment with a therapist, sometimes all you need is to talk to someone and let everything come out and you'll feel better. But in the meantime, just relax. If you have to go to work, I assume they'd give you some days off to recover from your accident, but if not, just take a few days to yourself. Lay down, watch TV, listen to music, read, play video games, whatever it is you do to relax just keep on doing it. And any time you feel a panic attack coming, breath slowly in through your nose and out through you mouth. Remember this, this is what I do when I get nervous, 6, 2, 7. Breath in for 6 seconds, hold for 2 seconds, and release for 7 seconds. Good luck, and try to get the help you need.
I find it interesting that we try so hard to avoid anxiety and stress. I've done it all my life, and it gave me more anxiety and stress. We fear those horrible feelings but those are feelings that can initiate action if we allow them to be felt. It is perfectly reasonable to be freaked out after an accident, and one should allow themselves to feel all that fear in order for the body to process it. Stop trying not to feel, while it is scary, the more you hold back those feelings the more it builds up and gets worse, to a point where your body start to function poorly. Face it, that is the only way. Take a deep breath and step into that fear. Pope John Paul II used to say this over and over, 'fear not, fear not, fear not.' If you allow fear to control you it wins, and you lose. Just take it one step at a time - even if you aren't ready, take a step forward. The more you can take, the more you can take, each day, each step will propel you forward and one day you will not notice the fear as much - and keep it up and the fear will diminish. But hide from it, run from it, and it owns you - it will last even longer.
i was like that after an accident where someone hit me so hard he parked his van underneath the truck i was driving! i was at a dead stop. i was hurt and had to be taken away in ambulance. i had always been a very confident driver and drove little race cars that my bf and i built. after the accident i have a hard time driving and get scared at very little things. i'm constantly looking in the rear view mirror. i have been forcing myself to go out everyday and get on the freeway. i'm getting better and i am also seeing a psychiatrist for other things, but it has helped with the driving fear too. i did sue the driver and insurance, and i actually was happy with the outcome. i would sue because it is effecting your quality of life, and you might need long term help. it's not being vindictive,. you are just looking out for yourself. good luck.
Take it slow and easy. I would probably be like you if i was in a car crash! Just remember, it wasn't your fault! Everyday, start driving around quiet places at slow speeds and just build up from there. Goodluck
This will pass.One way is to keep driving more often.This gets you used to it.Being in the UK
Try driving in the country side.A leisurely drive can ease anxiety.It would help a lot to have a seasoned driver with you at first.Things can happen but the more you drive the better you get.