undeniablekarma
08-12-2008, 11:48 PM
Hi everybody. The past few months have been pretty stressful for me, and although I haven't been to any doctors or diagnosed with PTSD, I just wanted to share my story and hopefully alleviate some of my suffering.
*edited by mentalhealthmod
My dad had to come and get me from the repair shop, looking extremely disappointed in me. He and my mother hardly talked to me that entire weekend, and the ride back to campus with my dad was completely silent. I've never felt worse in my life.
Since I've gotten my car back, I've had an awful fear of driving, especially on the highway. Since I live at home for the summer, I always try to take my parents' cars when I need to be on the highway, since I don't fear driving as much in those cars. When I'm in my car and MUST take the highway, I drive 55-60 MPH. On regular roads I fear spinning out, and I slow down and crawl over any bumps and literally have my stomach drop when I see a change in color in the pavement (paint stains, skid marks, etc.) I've never been so scared in my life. Every time I get into a car all I can think about is spinning out and crashing. I don't know if I fear another accident or the disappointment of my parents more.
My fear hasn't gone away or lessened, even though it's been more than 6 months since the accidents. I'm scared I won't come home as often to see my parents due to my fear, and that my relationship with them will falter. My stomach drops at the thought of another winter.
I know these are probably rational responses to what I've gone through, but I would like any help or advice on how to lessen my fear of driving. Most of all, I'm just appreciative if any of you read this, since I can't talk to my parents or my friends about what I've gone through and how I'm feeling.
Thanks
*edited by mentalhealthmod
My dad had to come and get me from the repair shop, looking extremely disappointed in me. He and my mother hardly talked to me that entire weekend, and the ride back to campus with my dad was completely silent. I've never felt worse in my life.
Since I've gotten my car back, I've had an awful fear of driving, especially on the highway. Since I live at home for the summer, I always try to take my parents' cars when I need to be on the highway, since I don't fear driving as much in those cars. When I'm in my car and MUST take the highway, I drive 55-60 MPH. On regular roads I fear spinning out, and I slow down and crawl over any bumps and literally have my stomach drop when I see a change in color in the pavement (paint stains, skid marks, etc.) I've never been so scared in my life. Every time I get into a car all I can think about is spinning out and crashing. I don't know if I fear another accident or the disappointment of my parents more.
My fear hasn't gone away or lessened, even though it's been more than 6 months since the accidents. I'm scared I won't come home as often to see my parents due to my fear, and that my relationship with them will falter. My stomach drops at the thought of another winter.
I know these are probably rational responses to what I've gone through, but I would like any help or advice on how to lessen my fear of driving. Most of all, I'm just appreciative if any of you read this, since I can't talk to my parents or my friends about what I've gone through and how I'm feeling.
Thanks
Sponsor
negot
08-14-2008, 02:48 PM
I am sorry what you are going through. I just want to relate to you my own experience. I had a pretty bad car accident on the freeway some years ago. I was hurt, but not seriously and no one else was hurt. After the accident it took me at least a year, if not longer, to not be scared of driving. I wasn't able to drive on the freeway at all and on regular streets I would drive 25 miles/hour and people would honk at me all the time. I was really scared of driving, but the fear did go away. Nowadays I drive and don't even think about it. So, your fear will go away, but it may take some time. I think that it is normal to feel fear after a car accident.
undeniablekarma
08-14-2008, 08:00 PM
Thanks a lot, I'm glad someone understands the feeling. Everyone I try to talk to (parents, friends) don't understand my fear, and they think that because I DO drive (I pretty much have to if I want/need to do something) that I'm not afraid of it. They don't understand how my stomach drops whenever I hit a bump, see a change in the color of the pavement, or try to pass a semi on the highway.
Thanks for replying, it made me feel a lot better :)
Thanks for replying, it made me feel a lot better :)
Phoenix
08-21-2008, 09:40 PM
Hello U,
I fully understand your situation.
It is unfortunate but no one knows what it is like until they are put in a compromising situation such as this.
Nelli is right, it will get easier to deal with, in time.
Take care.
Phoenix
I fully understand your situation.
It is unfortunate but no one knows what it is like until they are put in a compromising situation such as this.
Nelli is right, it will get easier to deal with, in time.
Take care.
Phoenix