Never Thought Cheating Death Would Hurt So Much....why?

[Kimberly42]

I survived, I'm still here, it wasn't my day to die? So why am I not jumping with joy???? I can't focus, I can work, I don't want to deal with any of my Friend, I cry everyday, I can't drive my car? What the hell? Even though it has been four days since the accident I can wrap my head around why I feel so sad? There are so many unanswered questions?
I was happy that day, we going to an award gala. We called a taxi, we were on our way to pick up up another coworker and as we approched her house our cab driver suffered a seizure and sent the car into high rate of speed as he pushed the gas to the floor, I could see the house, I could see the parked car, and I was screaming at the driver to stop! He wouln't stop, he was going to kill us! Just writting this is sending my heart rate up! It was the most horrific experience of my life? What would my Boys have done without me?

I'm reconizing that something is not right with me, I have changed?? But why? I can't focus on my work it seems like the accident has happened, we are ok? So let's just carry on with life and I can't seem to do that. I'm affraid to sleep, I do,kt want to relive this in my dreams, can't stop reliving the accident in my head and I can't stop thinking of the "what if's" its driving me crazy. I just need to fix this so I can continue to live the life that I was blessed with?????? What do I do, how do I do it?

Help is needed!!!!

 

[Deaf Global Nomad]

Hi Kimberly,

Welcome to the Forum!

That must have been a terrifying experience! Your reaction is definitely normal (i.e. human). At the moment, with just four days after the accident, it is more likely to be Acute Stress Disorder, with high chances that it will improve somewhat or even completely within the next several months. Once you have passed 6 months and it is still not gone, then you will probably be diagnosed with PTSD.

There are lots of things that you can do to help yourself now to increase your chances of the ASD not turning into full-blown PTSD. Some people find relaxing baths, massages, as well as chiropractor care helpful. Other people, especially those with a single trauma, respond well to EMDR, a certain type of therapy technique for trauma. Exercise, having certain routines, and being outside in nature can be helpful.

Take a look around the wiki-pages and the forum and you should be able to find others' experiences with recovering from motor vehicle accidents.

Best wishes on your journey!

 

[Zipperhead]

Thanks Nomad. Can't say it any better. If the symptoms persist beyond 6 months, troble. So deal with it now. Don't let them say "it will do away". Make sure you do everything to miss this boat. There is help available to deal with ASD. Use them and get on with your life. They work, and I wish I had been offered the help.

 

[Kimberly42]

Thank you! I will speak to my doctor about all of the information that you have provided to me. I am a strong person and have faith that this will pass and I can get through this! I have never felt so scared in all of my life and really wish the fear would pass. I'm recconizing that something is wrong, and will get the required help to get me through this.

Thank you!

Wish all of you too in your sucesses!

 

[PhilipH]

I can only echo what others have said, Kinberly. Effective treatment does exist and the research shows that early intervention with effective treatment (e.g. CBT) reduces the likelihood of developing PTSD and related problems.