Ptsd Into Anxiety

[MatthewMorris]

Hi,
My name is Matthew in 38 years of age and in 2014 I was the driver of a fatal car accident whereby a drunk padestrian ran out in front of my car. As a result of the accident I attempted to save the gentlemans life and performed CPR.
There was an 18 month police investigation of which I was proved to be totally innocent party however during that time I suffered what I would describe as general PTSD characteristsics and paranoia. 2 years on. I am working and striving to lead a normal life and suddenly have been debilitated by physical anxiety symptoms. Ranging from anxiety headaches to pins and needles, sleep disturbances, I am isolating myself again and although don't feel mentally anxious the physical symptoms I am suffering are attributed to chronic anxiety.
Is this delayed response to physical anxiety a normal result of PTSD?
What can I do, what care and options are out there for me? After the accident I underwent 9 months of EMDR therapy.

Please help

Matthew

 

[void]

@Matthew Morris

Welcome!

Did you have a trauma history before the accident?

How was your mental health before the accident?

 

[MatthewMorris]

@void

I lost my father 12 months prior to my car accident he was 57. That was still raw when I was involved in this fatal accident

 

[void]

@Matthew Morris

My condolences.

The reason I asked was that ppl who are mentally well (overall in life) prior to single-incident PTSD can have a positive prognosis.
So, good news!

that is why T's teach us about 'resourcing'
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Did EMDR actually reduce your symptoms?

 

[MatthewMorris]

@Matthew Morris

My condolences.

The reason I asked was that ppl who are mentally well...

I don't know how effective EMDR was it did help but also time seems to lessen the feelings. Do you think it is within the realms of normality for me to be suffering these anxiety symptoms 2 years on?

 

[BuckarooBanzai]

Hi Matthew,

I don't know how effective EMDR was

EMDR is, from my experience, one of those treatments that either works or doesn't - and you know for sure which way the wind blows when when you're done. EMDR is something of an art; some practitioners are better than others. You might try a more experienced practioner, someone with a good EMDR track record.

time seems to lessen the feelings.

Yes, that's true.

It's also true, though, that unresolved long-term stress can 'switch on' a low level continual flight-or-fight type of response. I am living proof. Although I no longer technically have PTSD, I have a high heart rate that defies explanation; we believe it's due to long-term stress.

By the way, losing one's father is huge, psychologically. So, you were coming out of a rough period only to then have this unfortunate accident.

There might even be some dove-tailing of the two experiences: You couldn't save your father and then, after the accident, you couldn't save the pedestrian, either.

 

[Kolten]

If EMDR was at all successful for u in therapy possibly ask ur therapist about the 'rewind technique'. I have had both and when she does the therapy using the rewind I feel I am able to feel more in control of myself and also my anxiety. Doesn't mean my anxiety Doesn't exist it just means that I feel I can gain more control. Just a suggestion :)

 

[Annette garcia]

Hi,
My name is Matthew in 38 years of age and in 2014 I was the driver of a fatal car accident whereby a drunk...

Matthew, I have a similiar ptsd outcome. Feel fine mentally, but I cannot control physical symptoms. I have just started therapy. I have dealt with it with isolation. Its so frustrating.

 

[EveHarrington]

I don't know how effective EMDR was it did help but also time seems to lessen the feelings. Do you think it is w...

PTSD symptoms can be felt for a lifetime. 2 years is nothing unusual. I suggest going back to therapy and perhaps trying other types of therapy as EMDR is not a fix all for everybody.

 

[BoN-bOn]

Hi Matthew,



EMDR is, from my experience, one of those treatments that either works or doesn't...

That's interesting about your heart rate. Earlier in the year, I ended up in Urgent care because my heart rate was staying above 100 bpm. This was causing me anxiety which made it even worse. I spent 2 days with my heart rate in the 120's, which isn't good. I was referred to a cardiologist & was told there was absolutely nothing wrong with my heart. It was all part of the anxiety/ptsd.

 

[BuckarooBanzai]

I ended up in Urgent care because my heart rate was staying above 100 bpm. This was causing me anxiety which made it even worse. I spent 2 days with my heart rate in the 120's, which isn't good. I was referred to a cardiologist & was told there was absolutely nothing wrong with my heart.

Been there, done that. My resting heart rate was up to 150 bpm. My physician kept sending me to the emergency room over and over - something like five times. They did CT scans, ultrasounds, ... , you name it. They couldn't find anything wrong.

 

[BoN-bOn]

@BuckarooBanzai , it's crazy how psychological damage can affect you physically. I had a friend at work (I'm a nurse) check my BP when I was feeling a little panicky once & it was 200/110! It's usually high when I go to the doctor too, because I always feel anxious about having to be touched, but it's been better since starting the Lexapro