Sufferer Car Accident That Triggered Ptsd

[smile652]

Hi everyone,
I am a 21 year old girl recovering from post traumatic stress disorder due to serious paternal abuse growing up until I was 16 years of age. I was in counseling for about 2.5 years and it doesn't quite affect me the way that it used to.

However today I am sitting here extremely triggered and having difficulty coping. Yesterday through a lapse in judgement I got into a car accident. I clipped mirrors with a car coming into oncoming traffic and my window smashed. No damage to the body of my car, and his mirror only broke off- no other damages.

It all happened so fast and I obviously felt horrible. I pulled over to the side of the road right away and the first thing I see is a male screaming at me. I can't really remember what was said because of the shock. But this really gets to me. He wasn't even involved. He proceeded to take pictures of my car and I wasn't coherent enough to stop.

I turned around to go speak to the man that I hit and he was very kind about it, the officers that came to the scene were very kind as well. But for some reason the screaming man and the trauma of the window breaking still sticks out into my mind and is very troubling for me.

Does anyone have any similar experiences? How did you overcome it?

I know I'm thankful for my life, and that I'm okay. But these internal thoughts are overpowering.

 

[DharmaGirl]

Wow, who was the crazy man? Did you ever find out? Its bad enough to have a frightening accident without that. It makes it that much more out of your control. Do you know any grounding techniques? I sometimes write the story over and over until it doesn't affect me anymore. I'm so sorry that happened to you.

 

[smile652]

I could try that, do you have any other suggestions?

No I don't know who he is, I can understand he was fearful but he acted totally out of line. Thankfully the person who was actually involved was so kind. Still feeling anxious. Also really nervous about driving again.

 

[Abstract]

Hi Smile,

Welcome here. I have not had that experience but it makes sense to me that this has triggered your PTSD to escalate again. I know raging males out of context can be unhelpful for me too.

Do you think there are any harsh cognitive messages that you are possibly telling yourself that could be adding to your distress?

I hope things settle for you soon.

 

[devildoc130]

Welcome. I'm so glad you found this forum. It's a great place to open up and talk, rant, vent about whatever you are going through..without judgement. With people who care and who will listen.

 

[KP the nut]

Hi Smile and welcome to the forum.

My PTSD was also triggered by a car crash although my trauma was different to yours. I hope the forum helps with your healing journey as much as it has helped me.

 

[Abstract]

Hi Smile,

Welcome here. I haven't had the same experience but I can see why this incident has triggered your PTSD to loom up again. I too find raging men unhelpful. I, like monster, thought of grounding. Maybe with the emphasis on this not being the past.

Did your therapist give you a skill set for your symptoms? Do you think you could also be telling yourself anything that could be contributing to your distress?

I hope things settle soon and am sorry for all that happened to you.

PS. Ha! Apologies as I thought my post disappeared and instead it seems I posted on two of your threads. :O_o:

 

[smile652]

KP the nut, I'd like to hear more about your story. Thank you for sharing.

 

[intothelight]

Hi Smile,

Welcome to the PTSD Forum! :)

I am sorry to hear about your accident. It may be the angry male bystander was a trigger for you and that is what is making the symptoms flair up. It could also be the stress of the situation, or a combination. But regardless, learning to identify, effectively cope, and manage the symptoms are what we all work towards.

This site is a great place for information and support as you work on healing. Take some time to look around and I hope that you find something beneficial that can help you.

Take care.

Debbie

 

[cherryblossom]

(Abstract) Just to let you all know that I merged 2 identical threads in 2 different forums into one, to avoid confusion and duplication. All responses to both threads are now here.

 

[DharmaGirl]

Another thing I do when I'm triggered is to say to myself, "It's not happening now. I'm safe" as sort of a mantra. It makes it easier to bring myself back to the present.

 

[KP the nut]

KP the nut, I'd like to hear more about your story

This is my diary.
[DLMURL]https://www.ptsdforum.org/c/threads/bad-things-come-in-30s-not-3s.14454/[/DLMURL]

This is another thread I started.
[DLMURL]https://www.ptsdforum.org/c/threads/fed-up-with-the-rollercoaster-of-emotion.14912/[/DLMURL]

I'm pleased to say that I am managing my symptoms, well for the most part. At least now I recognise 'stressors' which could affect me and I allow myself time and space to look after myself.

I'm happy to answer questions. PC me if you want to ask something.