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Anxiety problems after accident

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Posted 12/15/2011 3:56 AM (GMT 0)
Hey you guys,

I got in a car accident 7 months ago and afterwards I started having bad anxiety, which really triggered when I started working again.

 

I'd cut my head open 20 cm, and thankfully didn't suffer from a concussion, however I'm really afraid that the accident may have caused diffusion related brain damage which would explain my random anxiety/panic.

My psychologist suggested this might be what happened but said there wasn't really a way to tell whether there is any permanent damage or not. This really scares me the most...not knowing.

It's been a rough seven months. I hadn't realized how much it was effecting the ones I loved either until a month or two ago. I left my boyfriend of a year who was really my rock and support through all of this because I just didn't feel it was fair for him, I felt like I couldn't be what he needed at the time, I told him it was because I had to work on myself. Now that he's gone I feel so alone, it's been so hard living without my "voice of reason" and I get so afraid because this journey seems from here like such a long one...

I can't believe it's already been 6 months.

My anxiety is fine some days and bad others. Looking back, I've really improved since this first started. I had anxiety episodes before the accident and got through them so I know I can again, but the thought of my head being damaged scares me.

Does anyone find that the more you think about your problems with this, the more anxious you get? Has anyone here been through a similar situation? I feel so alone, I just wish someone could relate again.

Thanks all.

Posted 12/15/2011 5:34 AM (GMT 0)
Hi SS and welcome! I am sorry to hear about your accident. I am sure that it was a traumatic experience, so great job on all of the progress that you have made so far!  It is not uncommon for an accident or even an illness to trigger anxiety and panic, especially since you had previous anxiety episodes.

If you did not have a concusion, and were under medical care after the accident, I think it is highly unlikely that you have any brain damage. Your doctors/emergency team would have looked for all signs of this possibility while you were hospitalized. I think that it is anxiety that is leading you to feel that this is a possibility...anxiety can make us think some pretty frightening things, but that does not make it a reality.

I am glad that you are talking with your therapist about all of this though! That is very good, and will help with your recovery:) You have been through a lot lately, but stick with your program and things will improve for you.

I hope that you continue to post with us. We understand how you are feeling and are always here to help and support!

Take care and post often!

Scaredy Cat

p.s. as far as your other post regarding the suppliments...those are pretty old posts, but someone may respond with the info you want...if not feel free to post a new thread concerning your question.
Posted 12/15/2011 5:54 AM (GMT 0)
Shooting star,
Welcome..
I actually had a similar experience I got in a hit and run car accident at age 15..I had 160 stitches and an 8 inch laceration..my scalp basically came off. I had a head injury-with loss of conscience. I spent 30 days in the hospital. I immediately sstarted having anxiety afterwards about little things then one day I broke out in a really bad sweat and couldn't breath, my dad called an ambulance. They did every test in me, EKG, blood work, X-rays,all which came back negative. I was told it was a panic attack and according to my friends I have never been the same.
I was told there was no brain injury but you have to wonder 22 years down the path and I get diagnosed as a bipolar. I wonder this often. But that is me.
I feel you should be okey, you did not have a loss of conscience and I really think a lot of it is just anxiety about being in a car accident.
I understand the whole boyfriend thing..you let him go because you felt it was the right thing to do but deep down you wish he really fought you on it. Right? You will be stronger through all of this, I promise. Things will get better, they have to ! and be patient with thy self, it's been a rough six months
. Keep up with your therapy and keep talking it will help. I also went through a great program called "attacking anxiety" through the Midwest center that was great. I have not had a "full-blown" attack since then. I still have anxiety but it gets better everyday. Good luck to you and my thoughts are with you..take cae Leslie.
Posted 12/15/2011 2:17 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you both so, so much, I was having such a rough morning and this really helped me out. God bless you.

I had jumped out of my car because I thought it was going to catch fire and the accelerator was stuck, so my head ended up on the floor. I was so lucky there were people around who called the ambulance.

The only problem with the psychologist is that he's in favor of SSRI's and I'm against them. I take St. John Wort but it's not working as well as I'd like it to. It's kind of a shame; what ever happened to believing in human capablility, they just want to stick you on drugs these days, and I understand it helps, but the thought of a short term fix just doesn't thrill me. I have to face these problems one way or another.

Where was this program Lascardo? I live in California, I wonder if there are any like it here...
Posted 12/15/2011 3:42 PM (GMT 0)
SS,

I was also in a bad accident where the car caught fire! I think looking back now that I had some PTSD issues about it for awhile. I kept replaying the accident in my mind involuntarily, and I was fearful for no reason at times. I had also lost my father the year before, so I think that it is a combination of things that set up the 'foundation' for my anxiety that came much later in life.

I don't use medication either, but it is just a personal choice. There is absolutely a need for it at times, and everyone is different in their needs. I decided that I would complete my therapy first, and go from there. If I had needed it, I would have taken it! It just depends on your situation. St. John's Wort is more effective for depression than anxiety I have heard. I would suggest L-Theanine and a good B complex vitamin. Of course, ask you doctor first before starting anything, but these are effective for fighting stress.

Keep up with your therapy, it does work. You certainly can add in a self-help program like Lasardo suggests, and there are great CBT workbooks as well, if you want to boost your progress.

Take care and keep posting...it does help to talk with those who understand!

S.C.

p.s. I am a Cali-girl too! turn

Posted 12/15/2011 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
Good Morning SS,

Welcome to HealingWell.  You have been given awesome advice already.  I just wanted to kindly suggest to  you  not push people out of your life......you need friends and family now just as you did before the accident.  Try not to get caught up in making decisions for others such as your boyfriend.  Perhaps he was perfectly fine being there for you and he may be missing you very much.

I get caught up in the "stinkin thinkin" with anxiety and assume someone doesn't want to be around me or that my family is sick of me.  It is my own thinking not theirs as I know they love me and even thow they don't understand anxiety and depression they will stick by my side.  I need them in my life.

I sense that you are a very kind, warm and caring person that is going through a rough time so keep reaching out and stick with us here in the forum.

You will be OK and therapy does work however I find times when I feel really strong and that is when I spread out my appointments to see if I can practice what I have learned.

Gentle hugs to you and please know I care.

Kitt

 

Posted 12/15/2011 5:49 PM (GMT 0)
I have heard of the BCOMPLEX being good so thank you I'll look into that. There are times that it is easier but the hardest, most reoccurring thought for me is, will it go on for the rest of my life? It's so odd because it has only been this past year that it's popped up really bad.

Have any of you dealt with it persistently or does it ever go away?

I'm still a bit new to all this and I know I have a lot of questions!
Posted 12/15/2011 5:51 PM (GMT 0)

Scaredy Cat said...
SS,

I was also in a bad accident where the car caught fire! I think looking back now that I had some PTSD issues about it for awhile. I kept replaying the accident in my mind involuntarily, and I was fearful for no reason at times. I had also lost my father the year before, so I think that it is a combination of things that set up the 'foundation' for my anxiety that came much later in life.

I don't use medication either, but it is just a personal choice. There is absolutely a need for it at times, and everyone is different in their needs. I decided that I would complete my therapy first, and go from there. If I had needed it, I would have taken it! It just depends on your situation. St. John's Wort is more effective for depression than anxiety I have heard. I would suggest L-Theanine and a good B complex vitamin. Of course, ask you doctor first before starting anything, but these are effective for fighting stress.

Keep up with your therapy, it does work. You certainly can add in a self-help program like Lasardo suggests, and there are great CBT workbooks as well, if you want to boost your progress.

Take care and keep posting...it does help to talk with those who understand!

S.C.
p.s. I am a Cali-girl too! [img]/community/emoticons/turn.gif[/img]

It's good to know I'm not the only one doing this stuff without medicine!
tongue
Posted 12/16/2011 2:56 AM (GMT 0)
Shooting star,
The program I mentioned "attacking anxiety" from the Midwest center is a self help cd program. It's cognitive therapy. you listen to these CDs and they "teach" you how to get through an anxiety attack. They are still around amazingly, when I started with them they were brand new but I was desperate and like I said I have not had a full-blown attack since I took the program. I do still get anxiety but say "ok, your having some anxiety" the thing to do is accept the anxiety for what it is, anxiety, and it's okey.
Keep up with the therapy..it's the best thing to do.
I should also mention the Midwest center will mail everything to you. So no problem being in California, they do not discriminate. Ha. Good luck shooting star. Leslie
Posted 12/16/2011 3:13 AM (GMT 0)
Soothing star,
So weird ! was looking under "Midwest center, attacking anxiety" "who is Lucinda ...." cant remember last name) anyway it directed me to a forum here, yes on healing well. They were all talking about thier experiences with it and it was all good. Now I warn you it is expensive and you have to return it in the time allotted if you change your mind. But I think it is worth it. It was about $300 15 yrs ago now it is about $400 I think. But when you use what you are taught from it is sooo worth it. I did see someone got theirs on eBay for $160. Try there first. Leslie
Posted 12/16/2011 3:54 AM (GMT 0)
I believe her last name is Bassett, but I'm not positive.

S.C.
Posted 12/16/2011 5:44 AM (GMT 0)
awesome I'll check into that, thanks guys turn
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