I've Been Through This Before, But Now It's Back

[All over again]

Hi all, I'm a PTSD survivor, but am finding that I'm experiencing all of my major issues all over again.

13 years ago, my oldest son (9 years old at the time) was hit by a hit and run driver. He suffered a broken leg, skull fractures, and major TBI (traumatic brain injury). I tried to deal with things on my own for a couple of years, and then ended up in therapy. Therapy combined with anti-depressants and anti anxiety meds helped me out, and I was "cured".

Last week, my second born (14 years old) was hit by a car, on the same street, but at a different intersection). I find that I am backsliding, and am terrified of being overwhelmed by the same thing all over again.

I know in my head that I am the luckiest woman in the world, having 2 sons hit by vehicles, and I still have both of them to love and hold. But I find myself re-living both experiences continuously. I am freaking out about my two daughters (who are younger than the boys), and I really don't want any of them out of my sight for any length of time. I am having a hard time focusing at work, and I am on the verge of tears/major panic 24/7.

I went to the Dr last night, and got scripts for anti-depressants, and anti anxiiety drugs. But still feel like I am either over-reacting, or just losing my mind.

Any help you could send my way would be incredibly helpful...

Beth

 

[patrick]

Hi Beth,

What a thing to have happen! No wonder you are revisiting your PTSD. I don't know how anybody in their right mind wouldn't. You are a survivor who has been hit with another debilitating blow. The fact that you recognize what is going on and that you have been through it before and gotten better is encouraging. You know it can be done, and have some ideas of how to do it. Please don't let yourself get into that trap of thinking you are over-reacting. It leads to telling yourself to just buck up and deal with it, which leads to all sorts of problems. I have a feeling you know what to do to recover, and I bet it goes quicker this time than it did the first time. Please keep us posted. I'm hoping to hear how you do it so I can learn something from you.

 

[SammyKline]

Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry about your boys. If I were in your shoes I would not be functioning at all, I am quite sure. You are very brave and must be such a wonderful mom.

Sammy

 

[Dylan]

Hi AOA,

First, I'd like to offer the reassurance that, given what happened, your response is absolutely NORMAL . NORMAL. That instinctive limbic system that helps keep us (and our loved ones) safe is on overdrive, and with good reason! You've had two of your children hit by a car and now you're worried about letting the other two out of your sight. That makes perfect sense to me.

If, as it sounds like you are, you're looking for suggestions on how to begin to deal with these symptoms, my suggestion would be to locate a counselor/therapist experienced in dealing with PTSD as soon as possible. It's acute right now, and that's the best time - to "strike while the iron is hot", while everything is up. It's more workable that way, before it goes underground and just becomes a default way of coping/living.

HTH-
-Dylan

 

[midi]

Wow, that's got to be terrifying. Good thing you are being proactive about it. I hope your son heals well. Counseling is a good idea.