Almost one year ago...

[Kinali]

Almost one year ago I was a passenger in this vehicle when a man decided to make a very bad decision just minutes before we rear ended him at 45 mph. That decision was to sit in the only lane open and turn all his lights off in the dark morning hours. My body has started to heal from this as has my mind. I no longer struggle with anxiety of the possibility of other vehicles coming across the center line and taking me out or with other people driving with me in their vehicle. I do however, struggle with those behind me when I am coming to a stop. I am on the verge of starting school again. I am also preparing to return to the accident site with the friend who was driving this now mangled vehicle in October. I made it through this when I thought I never would and that, I am truly greatful for.

[peacefulandcalm Encourager]

wow, you are lucky. good for you, making progress. I love your photo on here with your name, the luminescent one.

[Kinali in reply to peacefulandcalm]

Thank you:).

[beendown2times]

Without triggering you, I will say I was in a very bad accident many years ago and am still plagued by it with driving difficulties. I will ask if you had a very good therapist or did this yourself or maybe a combination of both. I am in awe, I have to tell you.

[Kinali in reply to beendown2times]

I actually did it on my own. It wasn't easy. There were lot of tears. Those tears were a combo of physical pain and panic/anxiety. Symptoms lessened with time when I thought they never would. I guess in the end, throwing myself in the driver's seat over and over is what helped the most. The physical pain is still there as I had a severe case of whiplash and it messed my neck up pretty good.

[syltownsend]

Good for you, sounds like you're making progress in healing and feel gratitude for that. It always helps to stay positive if we can. Take care and keep us posted. we care!

[aujoymyjoy]

I am 17 years out from a horrific car accident, T-boned in my door from a car that ran a red light at 35 mph. Numerous surgeries, injuries, but that is not the point here. My body remembers though my memory does not. Because the incident was unexpected, life changing, I still have moments of intense fear and horror. I have learned to read the situation, mentally note what my body is remembering, pushing through the anxiety that wells up in my stomach like I want to throw up.

How do I push through that anxiety?

Remember where I am going and how much I enjoy being there. I felt like I would barf everytime I had to travel 45 mins on the highway to the barn where I work with horses.

Earplugs help reduce the noise of the road and car. That noise overwhelms me sometimes, particularly when the barometric pressure is high.

Listen to my favorite music.

Count the times I went through that same intersection and didn't get hurt. Which is 12,636 times until I moved. I had to drive to and from work and went through that intersection for 9 years. You can do it!