When can I expect to be back to normal?

Question

I was in a minor fender-bender yesterday morning. I was due to be in class, teaching a lesson, and as soon as the police released us from the scene, that is where I went and what I did. I disconnected and didn't process the "Oh my God, I've just been in a wreck!" thing.

Today I am feeling anxious and unfocused. I feel overwhelmed by the littlest things and I just want to go back to bed. I can't, though - I have a ton of responsibilities and just can't take a step back to mentally re-group. What I want to know is, if I am unable to just take a mental-health day and cope, if I just "suck it up and deal with it" (which is my usual modus operandi) can I expect to feel more like myself by say, this afternoon, or is it going to take a while?

Answer 1

Depends. Did it bring back any memories of other car crashes you've seen or been in? Actually, if you saw one when you were really little, it could be an unconscious memory which can still affect your behavior. So if you're still feeling freaked out in, like 5 days or so, you might want to see a therapist. (DO NOT let them give you meds for this, though.)
In all likelihood, it's just an acute stress reaction...something you just can't currently make sense of. Tell your story to friends, to family, and then you'll weave it into the fabric of your life. Namaste.

Answer 2

I have experienced this exact situation several times. I was always able to get through it in a day or less. You may want to take a few moments to mentally review your accident. This will help you make sense of it and get focused.

Answer 3

OK Jen so when you dont know what to do "do nothing at all "thats what a psychciatrist would tell you..just let you mind relax..you didnt get hurt..your alive to face all those things you get to be responsible for .so a good idea would be to think of all the positive things that happened to you