My family was in a car accident back in July. I was driving my husband was in the front passenger seat and our 7 year old daughter was in the back seat. I saw the accident was going to take place and that the other car was going to hit on the side where my daughter was, so I turned our car to have the other car hit me instead. Thank God I did because the doctor at the hospital said that if they would have hit my daughter she would have been seriously injured or dead. Both my husband and daughter were fine. I got bruised and strained and sprained up pretty badly. Now that I shared the story now I can ask the question.
How long does it usually take to stop dreaming about the accident? I am continuing to drive but very paranoid that there will be another accident. Is this normal? With the snow and icy roads I am even more worried. It's not just when I am driving that I feel like this. I also feel like this when I ride with someone else. This was the first accident I have ever been.
2006-12-08 04:39:32 · 10 answers · asked by M.S. Mom 4 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Its completely normal to obsess over what "could of" happened. Just be thank full that your family is alive and you are here today.... it is hard to get over trauma but you have to. For your daughters sake...Maybe it was GOD's way of telling you not to take life for granted anymore....
2006-12-08 04:44:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I agree, you probably do have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and there is definite help for that. Not only would an antidepressant/antianxiety medication help to alleviate some of your concern, but also talking about it as much as you possibly can help get you through it, too. I know your daughter is only 7, but if you talk to her and tell her that you are so glad that you were given the strength and the ability to make a split second decision to keep her from harm and talk to your husband about the accident and what could have happened if you hadn't reacted the way you did, it may help you get it off of your mind a bit. Also, you need to hear from yourself and other people, perhaps a counselor, that you had an "accident" and that they are uncommon and that you had the ability to react appropriately, it may calm your mind a bit. Also, if you cannot afford mental health costs, there may be some type of support group you could find in your local paper where you could go and talk it out. Also, there may be a community mental health in your area that goes on a sliding scale depending on your income, it may cost you nothing at all. I think you were given a gift to save your family and to protect them and that you should be very proud of yourself for doing that. You are a strong enough person to get through this just by what you have already gone through and done. Good luck!
2006-12-08 14:37:19 · answer #2 · answered by XXXDirtyDirtyGirlXXX 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was in an accident a few years ago that resulted in my son getting 5 staples in his head. It was not my fault, and in 10 days the staples were gone and my son had pretty much forgotten about them. I on the other hand, did not fare so well. For close to two years driving/riding made me a nervous wreck. I thought something was wrong with me but my doctor said it was completely normal, especially since the anxiety originated out of concern for my child. I wish I could tell you that it will just go away and maybe for you it will.
2006-12-08 13:00:38 · answer #3 · answered by gapeachinsc75 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry for what you've gone through.
My first wreck happened because my brakes failed and I hit the truck in front of me doing about 55 mph. It didn't take me too long to relax about driving, but I had problems for a long time with other people driving and stopping (the whole loss of control thing).
I would imagine it is different with each person, but it does take time. How much time is up to you... But if it goes on for too long don't be afraid to go to a counselor. They can probably help you pinpoint the fear and/or teach you methods to get through it.
2006-12-08 12:52:31 · answer #4 · answered by zaralmoroc 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off...don't panic what your feeling is normal. I would give it a month or two and if you still do not feel "normal" again, talk to a counselor! Also, just think you did a really good thing. You probably saved your family
2006-12-08 12:48:14 · answer #5 · answered by hugs.girl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It takes as long as it takes for you to learn to relax your mind, and substitute your thought of the accident for something else. Your thoughts and dreams are literally all in your head- the only way to stop them is to change what's in your head.
http://www.hypnosisdownloads.com/downloads/phobias_fears/fear-driving.html
2006-12-08 15:04:37 · answer #6 · answered by Violet Pearl 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
sounds like you are experiencing PTSD to an extent.....
you might need therapy to help you through this....
though i am petrified of driving and have never been in an accident... i have to take meds for anxiety....
2006-12-08 12:42:52 · answer #7 · answered by myheartisjames 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that sure is scary I don't really know ask a doctor. I hope everything turns out fine.
2006-12-08 12:43:32 · answer #8 · answered by sansan4828 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Each person is different. I have been in a wr34eck and didn't give it a thought.
Coach
2006-12-08 12:47:01 · answer #9 · answered by Thanks for the Yahoo Jacket 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
long time
2006-12-08 12:48:18 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋